Named characters
6692 Harry (2526)/Potter (57)/Harry Potter (35)/Phlegm (7)/James (7)/the Prince (4)/Prince (4)/Dear Harry (3)/Auror (2)/HARRY POTTER (1)/Phlegm Harry (1)/Dear (1)/Harry James Potter (1)/a Death Eater in disguise who had first told Harry he would make a good Auror (1)/Harry P - Potter (1)/precious Potter (1)/The Half - Blood Prince Harry (1)/Felix felicis Harry (1)/Harry automati - cally (1)/Harry thougln (1)/The Prince (1)/James Potter (1)/the Prince Harry (1)/the Half - Blood Prince (1)/R.A.B. Harry (1)/R.A.B. (1)/Most Harry (1)/Harry mut - tered (1)
2016 Dumbledore (970)/Professor Dumbledore (15)/Professor (8)/Albus (8)/Albus Dumbledore (7)/Katie the - the - aaaah Dumbledore (2)/Auror Dumbledore (1)/This younger Albus Dumbledore (1)/the older Dumbledore (1)/So Dumbledore (1)/the Dumbledore (1)/The younger Dumbledore (1)/s;n?l Dumbledore (1)/Dumbledore wandless (1)/... Dumbledore (1)/Nothin Dumbledore (1)
1891 [NARRATOR]
1632 Ron (866)/Weasley (4)/Ron Weasley (2)/the improved Ron (1)/|/ Ron (1)/Neither Ron (1)
874 Malfoy (307)/Draco (47)/Draco Malfoy (23)/Obviously Malfoy (1)
777 Hermione (428)/Miss Granger (7)/Hermione Granger (3)/Granger (3)/Miss Hermione Granger (1)/Patented Daydream Charms Hermione (1)
546 Hermione (241)/Felix Felicis (17)/Felix (4)/the Felix Felicis (2)/little Felix (1)/Felicis (1)/The Felix Felicis (1)/Hermione Felix Felicis (1)/... Hermione (1)
533 Harry (196)/Slughorn (83)/the Slughorn Harry (1)
522 Hagrid (215)/Mrs. Weasley (126)/the humming Hagrid (1)/a very anxious - looking Mrs. Weasley and Hagrid , who had clearly noticed their absence (1)/a scowling Mrs. Weasley (1)/Only Mrs. Weasley (1)/HAGRID (1)/Mrs Weasley (1)
513 Voldemort (194)/Lord Voldemort (38)/The adult Voldemort (1)/VOLDEMORT (1)
508 Snape (206)/Professor Snape (17)/Professor (6)/Luckily Professor Snape (1)/... Professor Snape whom I need ... but I do not think ... I can walk very far just yet (1)
440 Riddle (73)/Tom (36)/Tom Riddle (26)/Marvolo (15)/Tom Riddle senior (1)/no Tom nor Marvolo nor any kind of Riddle (1)/Tom the barman (1)/the young Tom Riddle (1)
401 Ginny (228)/Ginny Weasley (4)
385 Slughorn (156)/Professor Slughorn (28)/Professor (3)/Slughorn bloke (1)
349 Slughorn (117)/Horace (17)/Horace Slughorn (7)
340 Snape (129)/Severus (29)/Severus Snape (5)
201 Fudge (73)/Cornelius Fudge (4)/Cornelius (2)/portly Fudge (1)
170 Professor McGonagall (70)/McGonagall (9)/Professor (3)
164 Narcissa (47)/Narcissa Malfoy (3)/Malfoy (2)
156 Scrimgeour (61)/Rufus Scrimgeour (16)/Rufus (3)
155 Lupin (58)/Remus (8)/Remus Lupin (4)
146 Katie (39)/Katie Bell (11)/Bella (9)
142 Neville (71)/Longbottom (6)/Neville Longbottom (1)
141 McLaggen (58)/Cormac McLaggen (8)/Cormac (5)/0111 McLaggen (1)
138 Ogden (61)/Bob Ogden (3)
135 Morfin (55)/Muggle (3)/Muggle - born (1)/the said Muggle (1)/the Muggle (1)/The Muggle Morfin (1)/the handsome Muggle (1)
134 Tonks (60)
132 Luna (55)/Luna Lovegood (4)
127 Bellatrix (38)/Bellatrix Lestrange (6)/Lestrange (1)
117 Kreacher (58)
117 Mr. Weasley (56)/Ronald Weasley (3)/Mr. Ronald Weasley (1)/Weasley (1)/Ronald (1)/Mr , Weasley (1)/Mr Weasley (1)
108 Professor Trelawney (36)/Trelawney (2)
102 Merope (30)/Riddle (1)/Merope Gaunt (1)/Merope Riddle (1)
100 Gaunt (28)/Mr. Gaunt (12)/Apparently Gaunt (1)
98 Lavender (42)/Lavender Brown (12)
96 Sirius (47)/Black (8)/Sirius Black (4)/Serious " Black (1)/dear Sirius (1)
92 Bill (50)/Billy Stubbs (2)/Whereas Bill (1)/Billy (1)
88 Fleur (48)/Fleur Delacour (1)
86 Fred (79)
76 Dean (46)/Tom (6)/Dean Thomas (5)/Only Tom the landlord , wizened and toothless , remained of the old crowd (1)
71 Dobby (38)
67 Mrs. Cole (20)/MRS . COLE (1)
65 Borgin (41)/Mr. Borgin (4)
62 George (61)
61 Madam Pomfrey (31)
59 Zabini (41)/Blaise (4)/Blaise Zabini (1)
49 Lucius (14)/Malfoy (11)/Lucius Malfoy (6)/lor Lucius (1)/poor Lucius (1)
48 Greyback (20)/Fenrir Greyback (4)/Fenrir (3)/this Fenrir Greyback (1)
46 Aragog (20)/old Aragog (1)
44 Moaning Myrtle (9)/Myrtle (7)
43 the Dark Lord (18)/The Dark Lord (9)/Dark Lord (1)
43 Rosmerta (15)/Madam Rosmerta (8)
42 Molly (13)/Arthur (13)/May (1)/Molly - Arthur (1)
41 Percy (19)/Percy Weasley (2)/Perce (1)
41 Hokey (19)
40 Crabbe (31)/Vincent Crabbe (1)
38 Madam Malkin (13)
38 Mundungus (16)/Mundungus Fletcher (2)
36 Uncle Vernon (22)/Vernon (2)
34 Filch (18)/Mr. Filch (2)/Mr Filch (2)
33 Belby (10)/Mark (2)/Marcus Belby (1)/young Marcus (1)/Marcus (1)/the Mark (1)
33 Ernie (11)/Ernie Macmillan (8)
31 Goyle (29)/Gregory Goyle (2)
30 Twycross (10)/Wilkie Twycross (3)
29 Leanne (19)
28 Wormtail (6)
28 Professor Flitwick (13)/Flitwick (4)
28 Slytherin (15)/Chaser (3)/Vaisey (2)/That Slytherin Chaser Vaisey (1)
28 Filch (11)/Argus Filch (2)/Argus (1)
27 Parvati (14)/Parvati Patil (3)
26 Stan Shunpike (5)/Stan (4)/Stanley Shunpike (1)/Released Stan Shunpike (1)
25 the Dursleys (17)/The Dursleys (1)
25 Seamus (19)/Seamus Finnegan (1)
23 Mr. Burke (5)/Burke (4)
23 Hepzibah (9)/Miss Hepzibah (1)
22 Inferi (4)/the Inferi (3)/The Inferi (1)
22 Harrys (14)
21 Zacharias Smith (7)/Smith (6)/Zacharias (3)
21 Victorious Snape Harry (1)/Harry (1)
21 Peeves (12)
20 Dudley (9)
20 Gryffindor (18)/Gryffindor Keeper (1)/The Gryffindor Keeper (1)
20 Romilda Vane (12)/Romilda (5)
20 Professor Sprout (15)/Professor (1)/Sprout (1)
19 Mum (15)
18 Hagrid (7)/Rubeus Hagrid (1)
18 the Death Eaters (12)/Death Eaters (6)
18 Pansy (12)/Pansy Parkinson (3)/Parkinson (3)
18 Demelza (10)/Demelza Robins (4)
17 the Weasleys (6)/Weasleys (6)/Mrs. Weasleys (3)/The Weasleys (1)
17 Malfoy (4)/Mr. Malfoy (2)/Master Malfoy (2)
17 Phineas Nigellus (5)/Phineas (2)/Phineas Nigellus Black (1)
17 Worple (5)/Eldred Worple (1)
16 Dolores Umbridge (6)/Umbridge (2)
16 Grawp (8)
15 the Muggles (4)/Muggles (4)/the Prime Minister (2)/the Prime Minister of Muggles (1)/Minister (1)
15 Dad (11)/DAD (1)
15 Nearly Headless Nick (4)/Nick (2)
15 Hepzibah (11)/Hepzibah Smith (3)/old Hepzibah (1)
14 Buckbeak (10)
14 Fawkes (8)/the Fawkes (1)
14 Fang (10)
13 Herbert Chorley (3)
13 Arthur (6)/Arthur Weasley (1)
13 Blimey (10)/blimey (1)
13 the Slytherins (6)/fellow Slytherins (2)/Slytherins (2)/the other Slytherins (1)/The four Slytherins (1)
13 Peakes (9)/Jimmy Peakes (2)/Jimmy (1)/James (1)
13 Harper (12)
12 Amelia Bones (4)/the Bones (1)
12 Mrs. Augusta Longbottom (1)/Augusta (1)
12 Aunt Petunia (8)/Petunia (2)
12 Marvolo (4)/Marvolo Gaunt (2)
12 Dumbledores (8)/the two Dumbledores (1)
12 Madam Pince (4)
12 Voldemorts (2)/Lord Voldemorts (1)
12 Montague (3)
11 Quidditch (10)/Quidditch Captain (1)
11 the Malfoys (4)/Malfoys (1)
11 Burkes (11)
11 Hufflepuff (3)/Susan (2)/Susan Bones of Hufflepuff (1)
10 Cissy (5)/Cecilia (1)
10 Hedwig (7)
10 Lily (5)/Lily Evans (2)
10 Coote (9)/Ritchie Coote (1)
10 Muriel (2)/Auntie Muriel (1)/Our Great - Auntie Muriel (1)
10 Celestina (6)/Celestina Warbeck (2)
9 Cho (3)/Cho Chang (2)
9 Hogwarts (9)
9 Ogdens (3)
9 Quidditch (8)/Quidditch Keeper (1)
9 Smith of Hufflepuff (1)/Smith (1)/Hufflepuff (1)
9 Odo (2)
9 Hagrids (2)
8 Slytherin (4)/Salazar Slytherin (2)/a Slytherin (1)
8 Werewolves (2)
8 Hermi (5)
8 Horcruxes (7)/the Horcruxes (1)
8 Sybill (1)/Sybill Trelawney (1)
8 Ravenclaw (8)
8 Eileen Prince (5)
7 Quirrell (3)
7 Crookshanks (5)
7 the Dark Arts (6)/the Dark Arts practical (1)
7 Morfin (6)/Morfin Gaunt (1)
7 the Marauder (6)/Marauder (1)
7 Slughoin (1)
7 Nagini (2)
6 Lord Vol-- (1)
6 Gwenog Jones (4)/dear Gwenog (1)/The Gwenog Jones (1)
6 Arry (3)/Arry Potter (1)
6 Charlie (4)
6 Gryffindors (3)/the Gryffindors (2)
6 Dumble - dore (5)
6 Ar (2)
6 Krum (4)/Viktor Krum (2)
6 Dumbledoiv (1)
6 Professor Dippet (5)
6 Alecto (2)
5 Merlin (5)
5 Michael Corner (2)/Michael (1)
5 Firenze (3)
5 Hufflepuffs (2)/the Hufflepuffs (2)/Many Hufflepuffs (1)
5 Ha - grid (1)
5 Potty (2)/Loony (2)/Potty lurves Loony (1)
5 Mal - foy (3)
5 Scrim - geour (4)/Rufus Scrim (1)
5 Katie (2)/Firs ' Katie (1)
5 Hogsmeade (2)
5 Slughotn (1)
5 Dum - bledore (4)
5 Gryffindor (4)/Poor Gryffindor (1)
5 Amycus (5)
5 Gibbon (3)
4 Emmeline Vance (3)/Vance (1)
4 Kingsley Shacklebolt (2)/Shacklebolt (2)
4 one agitated Obliviator , who refused to give his name as he left the Ministry last night (1)
4 Ambrosius Flume (1)
4 the Holyhead Harpies (2)/the Harpies (1)
4 Mad - Eye Moody (2)/Mad - Eye (1)/Moody (1)
4 Ron (2)/Nwcar Ron (1)
4 Mundungus Hotelier (1)/Mundungus (1)
4 Arnold (2)/Arnold the Pygmy Puff (2)
4 your Uncle Tiberius (1)/Tiberius (1)
4 Nott (4)
4 Dawlish (4)
4 the Inferius (1)/an Inferius (1)/The Inferius (1)
4 Sloper (2)/Jack Sloper (1)/Leaving Sloper (1)
4 Darling (1)
4 the Pensieve (3)/The Pensieve (1)
4 Mrs. Norris (3)
4 Rons (4)
4 Loony Lovegood (1)
4 Sanguini (4)
4 the Fat Lady , who was looking rather paler than usual and winced at his loud voice (1)/the Fat Lady (1)
4 Golpalott (4)
4 Cadwallader (4)
4 the Horcrux (3)/the real Horcrux (1)
4 Seamus Finnigan (1)/Seamus (1)
3 Mungo (1)/St. Mungo (1)/the St. Mungo (1)
3 Avery (3)
3 the Phoenix (2)/ilie phoenix (1)
3 Vernon Dursley (3)
3 Regulus (3)
3 Madam Bones (2)
3 Barnabas Cuffe (1)/Barnabas (1)
3 Nymphadora (3)
3 Ancient Runes (2)/Runes (1)
3 Ollivander (3)
3 Mother (3)
3 Pigwidgeon (3)
3 Malfoy’d (1)
3 Quibbler (1)/The Quibbler (1)
3 Gran (1)
3 Trevor (3)
3 Marietta (1)/that stupid Marietta (1)
3 Beiby (1)
3 Acid Pops (2)/Pops (1)
3 Reparo (3)
3 the Gaunts (2)/The Gaunts (1)
3 Eloise Midgen (1)
3 Hannah Abbott (1)/Hannah (1)
3 the charming Melinda Bobbin (1)
3 Sinus (3)
3 Caractacus Burke (2)/one Caractacus Burke (1)
3 Mr. Dumberton (1)
3 Queen Slug (1)/Slug - horn (1)/Slug - liorn (1)
3 Madam Hooch (3)
3 the Snitch (2)/The Snitch (1)
3 Hairy (1)
3 Lupins (1)
3 Apparition (2)/APPARITION LESSONS (1)
3 the Riddles (3)
3 Harry- (1)
3 Hufflepuff (2)/Helga Hufflepuff (1)
3 the Mudblood Granger (2)/The Mudblood (1)
3 Requirement (3)
3 Many (1)
3 Filius (3)
3 Minerva (3)
2 Mr. Fudge (1)/Fudge (1)
2 Karkaroff (1)/Igor Karkaroff (1)
2 Mr. Dursley (1)
2 Dudders (2)
2 Lumos (2)
2 Hmpf (2)
2 Honeydukes (2)
2 Gabrielle (2)
2 the Prophet (1)/The Prophet (1)
2 Mum'll (1)
2 Arkie Philpott (1)
2 Witherwings (2)
2 Flourish (2)
2 Maifoy (2)
2 Bertie Higgs (1)/Bertie (1)
2 Snape'll (1)
2 Hagtid (1)
2 Buck (2)
2 Ku| (1)
2 Four Ravenclaws (1)/the Ravenclaws (1)
2 Libatius Borage (2)
2 Snapes (2)
2 Parseltongue (2)
2 Og - den (1)
2 Mr. Shunpike (1)
2 Bludgers (1)/the Bludgers (1)
2 the rejected Beaters (1)/The Beaters (1)
2 Bludger (1)/the Bludger (1)
2 Righ (2)
2 Ministry Time - Turners (1)/the Ministry (1)
2 Professor Grubbly - Plank (2)
2 Zonko (2)
2 Amy Benson (2)
2 Dennis Bishop (2)
2 Urquhart (2)
2 The Unbreakable Vow Snow (1)/Snow (1)
2 Romilda Va ne (1)
2 Potty luuuuuurves Looooony (1)/Potty (1)
2 Dobbin (1)
2 Slughorns (1)/Professor Slughorns (1)
2 Filchs (1)
2 Levicorpus (2)
2 Dan (1)
2 Barty Crouch (1)
2 Fergus (1)
2 Lord Volde - mort (1)/Volde - mort (1)
2 Tom Riddle Senior (1)
2 Professor Merrythought (2)
2 Won - Won (2)
2 Siughorn (2)
2 Wood (1)
2 Loser 's Lurgy (1)/Lurgy (1)
2 Armando Dippet (1)/Armando (1)
2 the Hog (2)
2 Roonil Wazlib (2)
2 Master (1)
2 Mr. Finnigan (2)
2 Hermiones (2)
2 Rupert (1)/Rupert " Axebanger " Brookstanton (1)
2 Arthur Weasleys (1)/Arthur (1)
2 Ginnyand Dean (1)/Dean (1)
2 Peter Pettigrew (2)
2 Accio Rosmerta (1)/Rosmerta (1)
2 Dumby (2)
2 Avada Kedavra (1)/The Avada Kedavra (1)
2 Durnbledore (2)
2 ze British (1)
2 Rosalind Antigone Bungs (1)/Bungs (1)
2 Tobias Snape (2)
2 Slughom (2)
2 Madame Maxime (1)
2 Rita Skeeter (1)
2 Godric (2)
Major entities (proper, common)
FAC
11 Diagon Alley
7 Hogwarts/this Hogwarts
6 Privet Drive
6 Grimmauld Place
6 Gryffindor Tower
5 Knockturn Alley
4 the Burrow/the . Burrow
4 the Ministry
3 Flourish and Blotts
3 Hogwarts Express
111 the room/the Room/The room
60 here/Here
53 the school/the School
48 the castle/The castle
42 there
37 the common room/The common room
29 the Room of Requirement/The Room of Requirement
25 the corridor
21 the house/The house/the House
21 school
GPE
93 Hogwarts
23 Azkaban
19 Hogsmeade
10 Dumbledore/Albus
8 London
6 Parseltongue
5 Gryffindor
4 Horcruxes
4 Burkes
3 Gringotts
8 the village
6 there
4 this place
3 the country
3 the place
2 the West Country
2 here
2 the village of Little Hangleton
1 a far distant country
1 a country
LOC
5 the Pensieve
5 the Horcrux
3 Little Hangleton
2 the Burrow
1 the North Sea
1 the Canary Islands
1 the Prophet
1 Great Hangleton
1 Slughorn
1 the Forbidden Forest
21 the lake
15 the world
15 the water/The water
13 the forest/the Forest/The forest
8 the bank
8 the rock
4 the valley
4 the cliff
3 the river
3 the wizarding world/the Wizarding world
PER
2664 Harry/Potter/Harry Potter/Phlegm/James/the Prince/Prince/Dear Harry/Auror/HARRY POTTER/Phlegm Harry/Dear/Harry James Potter/a Death Eater in disguise who had first told Harry he would make a good Auror/Harry P - Potter/precious Potter/The Half - Blood Prince Harry/Felix felicis Harry/Harry automati - cally/Harry thougln/The Prince/James Potter/the Prince Harry/the Half - Blood Prince/R.A.B. Harry/R.A.B./Most Harry/Harry mut - tered
1020 Dumbledore/Professor Dumbledore/Professor/Albus/Albus Dumbledore/Katie the - the - aaaah Dumbledore/Auror Dumbledore/This younger Albus Dumbledore/the older Dumbledore/So Dumbledore/the Dumbledore/The younger Dumbledore/s;n?l Dumbledore/Dumbledore wandless/... Dumbledore/Nothin Dumbledore
875 Ron/Weasley/Ron Weasley/the improved Ron/|/ Ron/Neither Ron
443 Hermione/Miss Granger/Hermione Granger/Granger/Miss Hermione Granger/Patented Daydream Charms Hermione
378 Malfoy/Draco/Draco Malfoy/Obviously Malfoy
347 Hagrid/Mrs. Weasley/the humming Hagrid/a very anxious - looking Mrs. Weasley and Hagrid , who had clearly noticed their absence/a scowling Mrs. Weasley/Only Mrs. Weasley/HAGRID/Mrs Weasley
280 Harry/Slughorn/the Slughorn Harry
269 Hermione/Felix Felicis/Felix/the Felix Felicis/little Felix/Felicis/The Felix Felicis/Hermione Felix Felicis/... Hermione
234 Voldemort/Lord Voldemort/The adult Voldemort/VOLDEMORT
232 Ginny/Ginny Weasley
132 sir/Sir
78 the Prime Minister/The Prime Minister
72 people/People
48 each other
44 nobody/Nobody
41 Professor
37 anyone/Anyone
37 everyone/Everyone
27 someone/Someone
26 the Dark Lord/The Dark Lord
ORG
6 the Ministry/The Ministry
4 the D.A.
1 Magical Law Enforcement Squad
49 the Ministry/The Ministry
5 the Ministry of Magic
4 the team
2 the government
2 the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures
2 the Department of Magical Law Enforcement
2 the Magical Law Enforcement Squad
2 the Order of the Phoenix
1 the Muggle Liaison Office
1 the -- er -- Wizarding community
VEH
22 the train/The train
15 the boat/The boat
4 the car
2 this boat
1 a dozen cars
1 the special Ministry of Magic cars , in which Harry had ridden once before
1 a pirate ship
1 Ministry cars
1 The Ministry cars
1 the cars
Text
[Harry Potter]136-harry and [The Half - Blood Prince]649-the half - blood prince Chapter 1 : [The Other Minister]650-the other minister It was nearing midnight and [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister was sitting alone in [[his]651-the prime minister office]652-his office , reading a long memo that was slipping through [his]651-the prime minister brain without leaving the slightest trace of meaning behind . [He]651-the prime minister was waiting for a call from [the President of [a far distant country]654-a far distant country]653-the president of a far distant country , and between wondering when [the wretched man]655-the wretched man would telephone , and trying to suppress unpleasant memories of what had been a very long , tiring , and difficult week , there was not much space in [his]651-the prime minister head for anything else . The more [he]651-the prime minister attempted to focus on the print on the page before [him]651-the prime minister , the more clearly [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister could see the gloating face of [one of [[his]651-the prime minister political opponents]658-his political opponents]657-one of his political opponents . [This particular opponent]659-this particular opponent had appeared on the news that very day , not only to enumerate all the terrible things that had happened in the last week ( as though [anyone]660-anyone needed reminding ) but also to explain why each and every one of [them]661-them was [the government]662-the government 's fault . [The Prime Minister]651-the prime minister 's pulse quickened at the very thought of these accusations , for they were neither fair nor true . How on earth was [[his]651-the prime minister government]664-his government supposed to have stopped that bridge collapsing ? It was outrageous for [anybody]665-anybody to suggest that [they]665-anybody were not spending enough on [bridges]666-bridges . [The bridge]667-the bridge was fewer than ten years old , and [the best experts]668-the best experts were at a loss to explain why it had snapped cleanly in two , sending [a dozen cars]669-a dozen cars into the watery depths of [the river]670-the river below . And how dare [anyone]660-anyone suggest that it was lack of [policemen]672-policemen that had resulted in those two very nasty and well - publicized murders ? Or that [the government]662-the government should have somehow foreseen the freak hurricane in [the West Country]674-the west country that had caused so much damage to [both people]675-both people and property ? And was it [his]651-the prime minister fault that [one of [[his]651-the prime minister Junior Ministers]677-his junior ministers]676-one of his junior ministers , [Herbert Chorley]137-herbert chorley , had chosen this week to act so peculiarly that [he]676-one of his junior ministers was now going to be spending a lot more time with [[his]676-one of his junior ministers family]678-his family ? " A grim mood has gripped [the country]4344-the country , "[679-the opponent] [the opponent]679-the opponent had concluded , barely concealing [his]679-the opponent own broad grin . And unfortunately , this was perfectly true . [The Prime Minister]651-the prime minister felt it [himself]651-the prime minister ; [people]681-people really did seem more miserable than usual . Even the weather was dismal ; all this chilly mist in the middle of July ... It was n't right , it was n't normal ... [He]651-the prime minister turned over the second page of the memo , saw how much longer it went on , and gave it up as a bad job . Stretching [his]651-the prime minister arms above [his]651-the prime minister head [he]651-the prime minister looked around [[his]651-the prime minister office]652-his office mournfully . [It]652-his office was [a handsome room]683-a handsome room , with a fine marble fireplace facing the long sash windows , firmly closed against the unseasonable chill . With a slight shiver , [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister got up and moved over to the window , looking out at the thin mist that was pressing itself against the glass . It was then , as [he]651-the prime minister stood with [his]651-the prime minister back to [the room]685-the room , that [he]651-the prime minister heard a soft cough behind [him]651-the prime minister . [He]651-the prime minister froze , nose to nose with [his]651-the prime minister own scared - looking reflection in the dark glass . [He]651-the prime minister knew that cough . [He]651-the prime minister had heard it before . [He]651-the prime minister turned very slowly to face [the empty room]686-the empty room . " [Hello]138-hello ? "[651-the prime minister] [he]651-the prime minister said , trying to sound braver than [he]651-the prime minister felt . For a brief moment [he]651-the prime minister allowed [himself]651-the prime minister the impossible hope that [nobody]687-nobody would answer [him]651-the prime minister . However , a voice responded at once , a crisp , decisive voice that sounded as though it were reading a prepared statement . It was coming -- as [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister had known at the first cough -- from [the froglike little man wearing a long silver wig who was depicted in a small , dirty oil painting in the far corner of [the room]685-the room]689-the froglike little man wearing a long silver wig who was depicted in a small , dirty oil painting in the far corner of the room . " To [the Prime Minister of [Muggles]143-muggles]4345-the prime minister of muggles . Urgent [we]4346-we meet . Kindly respond immediately . Sincerely , [Fudge]139-fudge . "[691-the man in the painting] [The man in the painting]691-the man in the painting looked inquiringly at [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister . " Er , "[651-the prime minister] said [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister , " listen ... Its not a very good time for [me]651-the prime minister ... [I]651-the prime minister 'm waiting for a telephone call , [you]691-the man in the painting see ... from the President of-- "[651-the prime minister] " That can be rearranged , "[651-the prime minister] said the portrait at once . [The Prime Minister]651-the prime minister 's heart sank . [He]651-the prime minister had been afraid of that . " But [I]651-the prime minister really was rather hoping to speak-- "[651-the prime minister] " [We]4346-we shall arrange for [the President]4347-the president to forget to call . [He]4347-the president will telephone tomorrow night instead , "[695-the little man] said [the little man]695-the little man . " Kindly respond immediately to [Mr. Fudge]140-mr. fudge . "[695-the little man] " [I]651-the prime minister ... oh ... very well , "[651-the prime minister] said [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister weakly . " Yes , [I]651-the prime minister 'll see [Fudge]140-mr. fudge . "[651-the prime minister] [He]651-the prime minister hurried back to [his]651-the prime minister desk , straightening [his]651-the prime minister tie as [he]651-the prime minister went . [He]651-the prime minister had barely resumed [his]651-the prime minister seat , and arranged [his]651-the prime minister face into what [he]651-the prime minister hoped was a relaxed and unfazed expression , when bright green flames burst into life in the empty grate beneath [his]651-the prime minister marble mantelpiece . [He]651-the prime minister watched , trying not to betray a flicker of surprise or alarm , as [a portly man appeared within the flames , spinning as fast as a top]697-a portly man appeared within the flames , spinning as fast as a top . Seconds later , [he]651-the prime minister had climbed out onto a rather fine antique rug , brushing ash from the sleeves of [his]651-the prime minister long pin - striped cloak , a lime - green bowler hat in [his]651-the prime minister hand . " Ah ... [Prime Minister]4348-prime minister , "[139-fudge] said [Cornelius Fudge]139-fudge , striding forward with [his]139-fudge hand outstretched . " Good to see [you]4348-prime minister again . "[139-fudge] [The Prime Minister]651-the prime minister could not honestly return this compliment , so said nothing at all . [He]651-the prime minister was not remotely pleased to see [Fudge]139-fudge , whose occasional appearances , apart from being downright alarming in [themselves]699-themselves , generally meant that [he]139-fudge was about to hear some very bad news . Furthermore , [Fudge]139-fudge was looking distinctly careworn . [He]139-fudge was thinner , balder , and grayer , and [his]139-fudge face had a crumpled look . [The Prime Minister]651-the prime minister had seen that kind of look in [politicians]701-politicians before , and it never boded well . " How can [I]651-the prime minister help [you]139-fudge ? "[651-the prime minister] [he]651-the prime minister said , shaking [Fudge]139-fudge 's hand very briefly and gesturing toward the hardest of the chairs in front of the desk . " Difficult to know where to begin , "[139-fudge] muttered [Fudge]139-fudge , pulling up the chair , sitting down , and placing [his]139-fudge green bowler upon [his]139-fudge knees . " What a week , what a week ... "[139-fudge] " Had a bad one too , have [you]139-fudge ? "[651-the prime minister] asked [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister stiffly , hoping to convey by this that [he]651-the prime minister had quite enough on [his]651-the prime minister plate already without any extra helpings from [Fudge]139-fudge . " Yes , of course , "[139-fudge] said [Fudge]139-fudge , rubbing [his]139-fudge eyes wearily and looking morosely at [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister . " [I]139-fudge 've been having the same week [you]651-the prime minister have , [Prime Minister]4348-prime minister . [The Brockdale Bridge]4350-the brockdale bridge ... [the Bones]141-amelia bones and [Vance]142-emmeline vance murders ... not to mention the ruckus in [the West Country]674-the west country ... "[139-fudge] " [You]651-the prime minister -- er -- [your]651-the prime minister -- [I]139-fudge mean to say , [some of [[your]651-the prime minister people]4353-your people]4352-some of your people were -- were involved in those -- those things , were [they]4352-some of your people ? "[139-fudge] [Fudge]139-fudge fixed [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister with a rather stern look . " Of course [they]4352-some of your people were , "[139-fudge] [he]139-fudge said , " Surely [you]651-the prime minister 've realized what 's going on ? "[139-fudge] " [I]651-the prime minister ... "[651-the prime minister] hesitated [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister . It was precisely this sort of behavior that made [him]651-the prime minister dislike [Fudge]139-fudge 's visits so much . [He]651-the prime minister was , after all , [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister and did not appreciate being made to feel like [an ignorant schoolboy]707-an ignorant schoolboy . But of course , it had been like this from [his]651-the prime minister very first meeting with [Fudge]139-fudge on [his]651-the prime minister very first evening as [Prime Minister]4348-prime minister . [He]651-the prime minister remembered it as though it were yesterday and knew it would haunt [him]651-the prime minister until [his]651-the prime minister dying day . [He]651-the prime minister had been standing alone in [this very office]709-this very office , savoring the triumph that was [his]651-the prime minister after so many years of dreaming and scheming , when [he]651-the prime minister had heard a cough behind [him]651-the prime minister , just like tonight , and turned to find that ugly little portrait talking to [him]651-the prime minister , announcing that [the Minister of Magic]710-the minister of magic was about to arrive and introduce [himself]651-the prime minister Naturally , [he]651-the prime minister had thought that the long campaign and the strain of the election had caused [him]651-the prime minister to go mad . [He]651-the prime minister had been utterly terrified to find a portrait talking to [him]651-the prime minister , though this had been nothing to how [he]651-the prime minister felt when [a self - proclaimed wizard]711-a self - proclaimed wizard had bounced out of the fireplace and shaken [his]651-the prime minister hand . [He]651-the prime minister had remained speechless throughout [Fudge]139-fudge 's kindly explanation that there were [witches]712-witches and [wizards]713-wizards still living in secret all over [the world]714-the world and [his]139-fudge reassurances that [he]139-fudge was not to bother [his]139-fudge head about [them]715-them as [the Ministry of Magic]716-the ministry of magic took responsibility for [the whole Wizarding community]717-the whole wizarding community and prevented [the non - magical population]718-the non - magical population from getting wind of [them]715-them . It was , said [Fudge]139-fudge , a difficult job that encompassed everything from regulations on responsible use of broomsticks to keeping [the dragon population]719-the dragon population under control ( [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister remembered clutching the desk for support at this point ) . [Fudge]139-fudge had then patted the shoulder of [the sLill - dumbstruck Prime Minister]721-the slill - dumbstruck prime minister in a fatherly sort of way . " Not to worry , "[139-fudge] [he]139-fudge had said , " it 's odds - on [you]721-the slill - dumbstruck prime minister 'll never see [me]139-fudge again . [I]139-fudge 'll only bother [you]721-the slill - dumbstruck prime minister if there 's something really serious going on [our]4354-our end , something that 's likely to affect [the Muggles]143-muggles -- [the non - magical population]718-the non - magical population , [I]139-fudge should say . Otherwise , it 's live and let live . And [I]139-fudge must say , [you]721-the slill - dumbstruck prime minister 're taking it a lot better than [[your]721-the slill - dumbstruck prime minister predecessor]4356-your predecessor . [He]4356-your predecessor tried to throw [me]139-fudge out the window , thought [I]139-fudge was a hoax planned by [the opposition]4357-the opposition . "[139-fudge] At this , [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister had found [his]651-the prime minister voice at last . " [You're]651-the prime minister -- [you're]651-the prime minister not a hoax , then ? "[651-the prime minister] It had been [his]651-the prime minister last , desperate hope . " No , "[139-fudge] said [Fudge]139-fudge gently . " No , [I]139-fudge 'm afraid [I]139-fudge 'm not . Look . "[139-fudge] And [he]139-fudge had turned [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister 's teacup into a gerbil . " But , "[651-the prime minister] said [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister breathlessly , watching [his]651-the prime minister teacup chewing on the corner of [his]651-the prime minister next speech , " but why -- why has [nobody]687-nobody told [me--]4359-me-- ? "[651-the prime minister] " [The Minister of Magic]710-the minister of magic only reveals [him]4361-him -- or [herself]4362-herself to [the Muggle Prime Minister of the day]4363-the muggle prime minister of the day , "[139-fudge] said [Fudge]139-fudge , poking [his]139-fudge wand back inside [his]139-fudge jacket . " [We]4364-we find it the best way to maintain secrecy . "[139-fudge] " But then , "[651-the prime minister] bleated [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister , " why has n't [a former Prime Minister]4365-a former prime minister warned [me--]4366-me-- ? "[651-the prime minister] At this , [Fudge]139-fudge had actually laughed . " [[My]139-fudge dear]4367-my dear [Prime Minister]4348-prime minister , are [you]4348-prime minister ever going to tell [anybody]665-anybody ? "[139-fudge] Still chortling , [Fudge]139-fudge had thrown some powder into the fireplace , stepped into the emerald flames , and vanished with a whooshing sound . [The Prime Minister]651-the prime minister had stood there , quite motionless , and realized that [he]651-the prime minister would never , as long as [he]651-the prime minister lived , dare mention this encounter to [a living soul]727-a living soul , for who in [the wide world]728-the wide world would believe [him]651-the prime minister ? The shock had taken a little while to wear off . For a time , [he]651-the prime minister had tried to convince [himself]651-the prime minister that [Fudge]139-fudge had indeed been a hallucination brought on by lack of sleep during [his]651-the prime minister grueling election campaign . In a vain attempt to rid [himself]651-the prime minister of all reminders of this uncomfortable encounter , [he]651-the prime minister had given the gerbil to [[his]651-the prime minister delighted niece]729-his delighted niece and instructed [[his]651-the prime minister private secretary]730-his private secretary to take down the portrait of [the ugly little man who had announced [Fudge]139-fudge 's arrival]731-the ugly little man who had announced fudge 's arrival . To [the Prime Minister]143-muggles 's dismay , however , the portrait had proved impossible to remove . When [several carpenters]732-several carpenters , [a builder or two]733-a builder or two , [an art historian]734-an art historian , and [the Chancellor of the Exchequer]735-the chancellor of the exchequer had all tried unsuccessfully to prise it from the wall , [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister had abandoned the attempt and simply resolved to hope that the thing remained motionless and silent for the rest of [his]651-the prime minister term in office . Occasionally [he]651-the prime minister could have sworn [he]651-the prime minister saw out of the corner of [his]651-the prime minister eye [the occupant of the painting]737-the occupant of the painting yawning , or else scratching [his]651-the prime minister nose ; even , once or twice , simply walking out of [his]651-the prime minister frame and leaving nothing but a stretch of muddy - brown canvas behind . However , [he]651-the prime minister had trained [himself]651-the prime minister not to look at the picture very much , and always to tell [himself]651-the prime minister firmly that [his]651-the prime minister eyes were playing tricks on [him]651-the prime minister when anything like this happened . Then , three years ago , on a night very like tonight , [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister had been alone in [[his]651-the prime minister office]652-his office when the portrait had once again announced the imminent arrival of [Fudge]139-fudge , who had burst out of the fireplace , sopping wet and in a state of considerable panic . Before [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister could ask why [he]139-fudge was dripping all over [the Axminster]2-the axminster , [Fudge]139-fudge had started ranting about [a prison [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister had never heard of]741-a prison the prime minister had never heard of , [a man named " [Serious "[743-a man named " serious " black] Black]144-sirius]743-a man named " serious " black , something that sounded like " Hogwarts , "[743-a man named " serious " black] and [a boy called [Harry Potter]136-harry]744-a boy called harry potter , none of which made the remotest sense to [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister . " ... [I]139-fudge 've just come from [Azkaban]3-azkaban , "[139-fudge] [Fudge]139-fudge had panted , tipping a large amount of water out of the rim of [his]139-fudge bowler hat into [his]139-fudge pocket . " [Middle of [the North Sea]4-the north sea]4370-middle of the north sea , [you]651-the prime minister know , nasty flight ... [the dementors]4371-the dementors are in uproar"--he[139-fudge] shuddered--"they've never had a breakout before . Anyway , [I]139-fudge had to come to [you]651-the prime minister , [Prime Minister]4348-prime minister . [Black]144-sirius 's [a known Muggle killer]4373-a known muggle killer and may be planning to rejoin [You]651-the prime minister - Know - Who .... But of course , [you]651-the prime minister do n't even know who [You]651-the prime minister - Know - Who is ! "[139-fudge] [He]139-fudge had gazed hopelessly at [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister for a moment , then said , " Well , sit down , sit down , [I]139-fudge 'd better fill [you]651-the prime minister in ... Have a whiskey ... "[139-fudge] [The Prime Minister]651-the prime minister rather resented being told to sit down in [[his]651-the prime minister own office]748-his own office , let alone offered [his]651-the prime minister own whiskey , but [he]651-the prime minister sat nevertheless . [Fudge]139-fudge pulled out [his]139-fudge wand , conjured two large glasses full of amber liquid out of thin air , pushed one of them into [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister 's hand , and drew up a chair . [Fudge]139-fudge had talked for more than an hour . At one point , [he]139-fudge had refused to say a certain name aloud and wrote it instead on a piece of parchment , which [he]139-fudge had thrust into [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister 's whiskey - free hand . When at last [Fudge]139-fudge had stood up to leave , [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister had stood up too . " So [you]139-fudge think that ... "[139-fudge] [He]139-fudge had squinted down at the name in [his]139-fudge left hand . " [Lord Vol--]145-lord vol-- "[139-fudge] " [[He]145-lord vol-- - Who - Must - Not - Be - Named]4374-he - who - must - not - be - named ! "[139-fudge] snarled [Fudge]139-fudge . " [I]139-fudge 'm sorry ... [You]139-fudge think that [He - Who - Must - Not - Be - Named]4374-he - who - must - not - be - named is still alive , then ? "[139-fudge] " Well , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore says [he]145-lord vol-- is , "[139-fudge] said [Fudge]139-fudge , as [he]139-fudge had fastened [his]139-fudge pin - striped cloak under [his]139-fudge chin , " but [we]4376-we 've never found [him]145-lord vol-- . If [you]139-fudge ask [me]139-fudge , [he]145-lord vol-- 's not dangerous unless [he]145-lord vol-- 's got support , so it 's [Black]144-sirius [we]4376-we ought to be worrying about . [You]139-fudge 'll put out that warning , then ? Excellent . Well , [I]139-fudge hope [we]4376-we do n't see [each other]4377-each other again , [Prime Minister]4348-prime minister ! Good night . "[139-fudge] But [they]752-they had seen [each other]4377-each other again . Less than a year later [a harassed - looking Fudge]754-a harassed - looking fudge had appeared out of thin air in [the cabinet room]755-the cabinet room to inform [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister that there had been a spot of bother at the [Kwidditch]5-kwidditch ( or that was what it had sounded like ) World Cup and that [several Muggles]757-several muggles had been " involved , "[754-a harassed - looking fudge] but that [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister was not to worry , the fact that [You]759-you - Know - Who 's Mark had been seen again meant nothing ; [Fudge]139-fudge was sure it was an isolated incident , and [the Muggle Liaison Office]760-the muggle liaison office was dealing with all memory modifications as [they]752-they spoke . " Oh , and [I]139-fudge almost forgot , "[139-fudge] [Fudge]139-fudge had added . " [We]4376-we 're importing [three foreign dragons]4379-three foreign dragons and a sphinx for the Triwizard Tournament , quite routine , but [the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures]4380-the department for the regulation and control of magical creatures tells [me]139-fudge that its down in the rule book that [we]4376-we have to notify [you]759-you if [we]4376-we 're bringing highly dangerous creatures into [the country]4344-the country . "[139-fudge] " [I]651-the prime minister -- what -- dragons ? "[651-the prime minister] spluttered [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister . " Yes , three , "[139-fudge] said [Fudge]139-fudge . " And a sphinx . Well , good day to [you]651-the prime minister . "[139-fudge] [The Prime Minister]651-the prime minister had hoped beyond hope that dragons and sphinxes would be the worst of it , but no . Less than two years later , [Fudge]139-fudge had erupted out of the fire yet again , this time with the news that there had been a mass breakout from [Azkaban]3-azkaban . " A mass breakout ? "[651-the prime minister] repeated [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister hoarsely . " No need to worry , no need to worry ! "[139-fudge] shouted [Fudge]139-fudge , already with one foot in the flames . " [We]4376-we 'll have [them]768-them rounded up in no time -- just thought [you]651-the prime minister ought to know ! "[139-fudge] And before [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister could shout , " Now , wait just one moment ! "[139-fudge] [Fudge]139-fudge had vanished in a shower of green sparks . Whatever the press and [the opposition]4357-the opposition might say , [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister was not [a foolish man]767-a foolish man . It had not escaped [his]651-the prime minister notice that , despite [Fudge]139-fudge 's assurances at [their]768-them first meeting , [they]768-them were now seeing rather a lot of [each other]4377-each other , nor that [Fudge]139-fudge was becoming more flustered with each visit . Little though [he]651-the prime minister liked to think about [the Minister of Magic]710-the minister of magic ( or , as [he]651-the prime minister always called [Fudge]139-fudge in [his]651-the prime minister head , [the Other Minister]650-the other minister ) , [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister could not help but fear that the next time [Fudge]139-fudge appeared it would be with graver news still . [The site]773-the site , therefore , of [Fudge]139-fudge stepping out of the fire once more , looking disheveled and fretful and sternly surprised that [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister did not know exactly why [he]139-fudge was there , was about the worst thing that had happened in the course of this extremely gloomy week . " How should [I]651-the prime minister know what 's going on in [the -- er -- Wizarding community]4382-the -- er -- wizarding community ? "[651-the prime minister] snapped [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister now . " [I]651-the prime minister have [a country]4383-a country to run and quite enough concerns at the moment without-- "[651-the prime minister] " [We]4384-we have the same concerns , "[139-fudge] [Fudge]139-fudge interrupted . " [The Brock - dale Bridge]4385-the brock - dale bridge did n't wear out . That was n't really a hurricane . Those murders were not the work of [Muggles]143-muggles . [And [Herbert Chorley]137-herbert chorley 's family]4386-and herbert chorley 's family would be safer without [him]139-fudge . [We]4384-we are currently making arrangements to have [him]139-fudge transferred to [St. Mungo 's Hospital]4387-st. mungo 's hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries . The move should be effected tonight . "[139-fudge] " What do [you]139-fudge ... [I]651-the prime minister 'm afraid [I]651-the prime minister ... What ? "[651-the prime minister] blustered [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister . [Fudge]139-fudge took a great , deep breath and said , " [Prime Minister]4348-prime minister , [I]139-fudge am very sorry to have to tell [you]4348-prime minister that [he]139-fudge 's back . [He]139-fudge - Who - Must - Not - Be - Named is back . "[139-fudge] " Back ? When [you]139-fudge say ' back ' ... [he]139-fudge 's alive ? [I]139-fudge mean-- "[139-fudge] [The Prime Minister]651-the prime minister groped in [his]651-the prime minister memory for the details of that horrible conversation of three years previously , when [Fudge]139-fudge had told [him]651-the prime minister about [the wizard who was feared above all others]778-the wizard who was feared above all others , [the wizard who had committed a thousand terrible crimes before [his]778-the wizard who was feared above all others mysterious disappearance fifteen years earlier]779-the wizard who had committed a thousand terrible crimes before his mysterious disappearance fifteen years earlier . " Yes , alive , "[139-fudge] said [Fudge]139-fudge . " That is -- [I]139-fudge do n't know -- is [a man]4389-a man alive if [he]4389-a man ca n't be killed ? [I]139-fudge do n't really understand it , and [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore wo n't explain properly -- but anyway , [he]139-fudge 's certainly got a body and is walking and talking and killing , so [I]139-fudge suppose , for the purposes of [our]781-we discussion , yes , [he]139-fudge 's alive . "[139-fudge] [The Prime Minister]651-the prime minister did not know what to say to this , but a persistent habit of wishing to appear well - informed on any subject that came up made [him]651-the prime minister cast around for any details [he]651-the prime minister could remember of [their]781-we previous conversations . " Is [Serious Black]4390-serious black with -- er -- [He]4390-serious black - Who - Must - Not - Be - Named ? "[139-fudge] " [Black]144-sirius ? [Black]144-sirius ? "[139-fudge] said [Fudge]139-fudge distractedly , turning [his]139-fudge bowler rapidly in [his]139-fudge fingers . " [Sirius Black]144-sirius , [you]139-fudge mean ? [Merlin]147-merlin 's beard , no . [Black]144-sirius 's dead . Turns out [we]781-we were -- er -- mistaken about [Black]144-sirius . [He]144-sirius was innocent after all . And [he]144-sirius was n't in league with [[He]4390-serious black - Who - Must - Not - Be - Named]4374-he - who - must - not - be - named either . [I]139-fudge mean , "[139-fudge] [he]139-fudge added defensively , spinning the bowler hat still faster , " all the evidence pointed -- [we]781-we had [more than fifty eyewitnesses]4392-more than fifty eyewitnesses -- but anyway , as [I]139-fudge say , [he]144-sirius 's dead . Murdered , as a matter of fact . On [Ministry of Magic premises]4393-ministry of magic premises . There 's going to be an inquiry , actually ... "[139-fudge] To [his]139-fudge great surprise , [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister felt a fleeting stab of pity for [Fudge]139-fudge at this point . It was , however , eclipsed almost immediately by a glow of smugness at the thought that , deficient though [he]139-fudge [himself]139-fudge might be in the area of materializing out of fireplaces , there had never been a murder in [any of [the government departments]784-the government departments under [his]139-fudge charge]783-any of the government departments under his charge ... Not yet , anyway ... While [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister surreptitiously touched the wood of [his]651-the prime minister desk , [Fudge]139-fudge continued , " But Blacks by - the - by now . The point is , [we]781-we 're at war , [Prime Minister]4348-prime minister , and steps must be taken . "[139-fudge] " At war ? "[651-the prime minister] repeated [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister nervously . " Surely that 's a little bit of an overstatement ? "[651-the prime minister] " [He]144-sirius - Who - Must - Not - Be - Named has now been joined by those of [[his]144-sirius followers who broke out of [Azkaban]3-azkaban]4395-his followers who broke out of azkaban in January , "[139-fudge] said [Fudge]139-fudge , speaking more and more rapidly and twirling [his]139-fudge bowler so fast that it was a lime - green blur . " Since [they]4395-his followers who broke out of azkaban have moved into the open , [they]4395-his followers who broke out of azkaban have been wreaking havoc . The [Brockdale Bridge]6-brockdale bridge -- [he]144-sirius did it , [Prime Minister]4348-prime minister , [he]144-sirius threatened a mass Muggle killing unless [I]139-fudge stood aside for [him]144-sirius and-- "[139-fudge] " Good grief , so it 's [your]4348-prime minister fault [those people]4397-those people were killed and [I]651-the prime minister 'm having to answer questions about rusted rigging and corroded expansion joints and [I]651-the prime minister do n't know what else ! "[651-the prime minister] said [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister furiously . " [My]139-fudge fault ! "[139-fudge] said [Fudge]139-fudge , coloring up . " Are [you]139-fudge saying [you]139-fudge would have caved in to blackmail like that ? "[139-fudge] " Maybe not , "[651-the prime minister] said [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister , standing up and striding about [the room]685-the room , " but [I]651-the prime minister would have put all [my]651-the prime minister efforts into catching [the blackmailer]4398-the blackmailer before [he]144-sirius committed any such atrocity ! "[651-the prime minister] " Do [you]139-fudge really think [I]139-fudge was n't already making every effort ? "[139-fudge] demanded [Fudge]139-fudge heatedly . " [Every Auror in [the Ministry]4400-the ministry]4399-every auror in the ministry was -- and is -- trying to find [him]144-sirius and round up [[his]144-sirius followers]4401-his followers , but [we]4402-we happen to be talking about one of [the most powerful wizards of all time]4403-the most powerful wizards of all time , [a wizard who has eluded capture for almost three decades]4404-a wizard who has eluded capture for almost three decades ! "[139-fudge] " So [I]651-the prime minister suppose [you]139-fudge 're going to tell [me]651-the prime minister [he]144-sirius caused the hurricane in [the West Country]674-the west country too ? "[651-the prime minister] said [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister , [his]651-the prime minister temper rising with every pace [he]651-the prime minister took . It was infuriating to discover the reason for all these terrible disasters and not to be able to tell [the public]791-the public , almost worse than it being [the government]662-the government 's fault after all . " That was no hurricane , "[139-fudge] said [Fudge]139-fudge miserably . " Excuse [me]139-fudge ! "[139-fudge] barked [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister , now positively stamping up and down . " Trees uprooted , roofs ripped off , lampposts bent , horrible injuries-- "[139-fudge] " It was the Death Eaters , "[139-fudge] said [Fudge]139-fudge . " [[He]144-sirius - Who - Must - Not - Be - Named 's followers]4406-he - who - must - not - be - named 's followers . And ... and [we]4407-we suspect giant involvement . "[139-fudge] [The Prime Minister]651-the prime minister stopped in [his]651-the prime minister tracks as though [he]651-the prime minister had hit an invisible wall . " What involvement ? "[139-fudge] [Fudge]139-fudge grimaced . " [He]144-sirius used giants last time , when [he]144-sirius wanted to go for the grand effect , "[139-fudge] [he]139-fudge said . " [The Office of Misinformation]4408-the office of misinformation has been working around the clock , [we]4407-we 've had [teams of Obliviators]4409-teams of obliviators out trying to modify the memories of all [the Muggles who saw what really happened]4410-the muggles who saw what really happened , [we]4407-we 've got most of [the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures]4380-the department for the regulation and control of magical creatures running around [Somerset]7-somerset , but [we]4407-we ca n't find the giant -- it 's been a disaster . "[139-fudge] " [You]651-the prime minister do n't say ! "[651-the prime minister] said [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister furiously . " [I]139-fudge wo n't deny that morale is pretty low at [the Ministry]4400-the ministry , "[139-fudge] said [Fudge]139-fudge . " What with all that , and then losing [Amelia Bones]141-amelia bones . "[139-fudge] " Losing who ? "[139-fudge] " [Amelia Bones]141-amelia bones . [Head of [the Department of Magical Law Enforcement]4414-the department of magical law enforcement]4413-head of the department of magical law enforcement . [We]4407-we think [[He]4415-he - Who - Must - Not - Be - Named]4374-he - who - must - not - be - named may have murdered [her]141-amelia bones in person , because [she]141-amelia bones was [a very gifted witch]4417-a very gifted witch and -- and all the evidence was that [she]141-amelia bones put up a real fight . "[139-fudge] [Fudge]139-fudge cleared [his]139-fudge throat and , with an effort , it seemed , stopped spinning [his]139-fudge bowler hat . " But that murder was in the newspapers , "[651-the prime minister] said [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister , momentarily diverted from [his]651-the prime minister anger . " [Our]4407-we newspapers . [Amelia Bones]141-amelia bones ... it just said [she]141-amelia bones was [a middle - aged woman who lived alone]4418-a middle - aged woman who lived alone . It was a -- a nasty killing , was n't it ? It 's had rather a lot of publicity . [The police]4419-the police are baffled , [you]4420-you see . "[139-fudge] [Fudge]139-fudge sighed . " Well , of course [they]4419-the police are , "[139-fudge] [he]139-fudge said . " Killed in [a room that was locked from the inside]4421-a room that was locked from the inside , was n't [she]141-amelia bones ? [We]4407-we , on the other hand , know exactly who did it , not that that gets [us]4407-we any further toward catching [him]651-the prime minister . And then there was [Emmeline Vance]142-emmeline vance , maybe [you]4420-you did n't hear about that one-- "[139-fudge] " Oh yes [I]651-the prime minister did ! "[651-the prime minister] said [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister . " It happened just around the corner from here , as a matter of fact . The papers had a field day with it , ' breakdown of law and order in [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister 's backyard-- ' "[651-the prime minister] " And as if all that was n't enough , "[139-fudge] said [Fudge]139-fudge , barely listening to [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister , " [we]4407-we 've got [dementors]4423-dementors swarming all over [the place]4424-the place , attacking [people left , right]4425-people left , right , and center ... "[139-fudge] Once upon a happier time this sentence would have been unintelligible to [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister , but [he]651-the prime minister was wiser now . " [I]139-fudge thought [dementors]4423-dementors guard [the prisoners in [Azkaban]3-azkaban]4427-the prisoners in azkaban , "[139-fudge] [he]139-fudge said cautiously . " [They]4423-dementors did , "[139-fudge] said [Fudge]139-fudge wearily . " But not anymore . [They]4423-dementors 've deserted [the prison]4428-the prison and joined [[He]4429-he - Who - [Must - Not - Be - Named]4431-must - not - be - named]4374-he - who - must - not - be - named . [I]139-fudge wo n't pretend that was n't a blow . "[139-fudge] " But , "[651-the prime minister] said [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister , with a sense of dawning horror , " did n't [you]139-fudge tell [me]651-the prime minister [they]4423-dementors 're the creatures that drain hope and happiness out of [people]681-people ? "[651-the prime minister] " That 's right . And [they]4423-dementors 're breeding . That 's what 's causing all this mist . "[651-the prime minister] [The Prime Minister]651-the prime minister sank , weak - kneed , into the nearest chair . The idea of invisible creatures swooping through [the towns]802-the towns and countryside , spreading despair and hopelessness in [[his]651-the prime minister voters]803-his voters , made [him]651-the prime minister feel quite faint . " Now see here , [Fudge]139-fudge -- [you've]139-fudge got to do something ! It 's [your]139-fudge responsibility as [Minister of Magic]4433-minister of magic ! "[651-the prime minister] " [[My]139-fudge dear]4367-my dear [Prime Minister]4348-prime minister , [you]4348-prime minister ca n't honestly think [I]139-fudge 'm still [Minister of Magic]4433-minister of magic after all this ? [I]139-fudge was sacked three days ago ! [The whole Wizarding community]717-the whole wizarding community has been screaming for [my]139-fudge resignation for a fortnight . [I]139-fudge 've never known [them]717-the whole wizarding community so united in [my]139-fudge whole term of office ! "[139-fudge] said [Fudge]139-fudge , with a brave attempt at a smile . [The Prime Minister]651-the prime minister was momentarily lost for words . Despite [his]651-the prime minister indignation at the position into which [he]651-the prime minister had been placed , [he]651-the prime minister still rather felt for [the shrunken - looking man sitting opposite [him]651-the prime minister]805-the shrunken - looking man sitting opposite him . " [I]651-the prime minister 'm very sorry , "[651-the prime minister] [he]651-the prime minister said finally . " If there 's anything [I]651-the prime minister can do ? "[651-the prime minister] " It 's very kind of [you]4348-prime minister , [Prime Minister]4348-prime minister , but there is nothing . [I]139-fudge was sent [here]4439-here tonight to bring [you]4348-prime minister up to date on recent events and to introduce [you]4348-prime minister to [[my]139-fudge successor]4440-my successor . [I]139-fudge rather thought [he]4440-my successor 'd be [here]4439-here by now , but of course , [he]4440-my successor 's very busy at the moment , with so much going on . "[139-fudge] [Fudge]139-fudge looked around at the portrait of [the ugly little man wearing the long curly silver wig , who was digging in [his]806-the ugly little man wearing the long curly silver wig , who was digging in his ear with the point of a quill ear with the point of a quill]806-the ugly little man wearing the long curly silver wig , who was digging in his ear with the point of a quill . Catching [Fudge]139-fudge 's eye , the portrait said , " [He]4440-my successor 'll be here in a moment , [he]4440-my successor 's just finishing a letter to [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[651-the prime minister] " [I]139-fudge wish [him]4440-my successor luck , "[139-fudge] said [Fudge]139-fudge , sounding bitter for the first time . " [I]139-fudge 've been writing to [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore twice a day for the past fortnight , but [he]146-dumbledore wo n't budge . If [he]146-dumbledore 'd just been prepared to persuade [the boy]4442-the boy , [I]139-fudge might still be ... Well , maybe [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour will have more success . "[139-fudge] [Fudge]139-fudge subsided into what was clearly an aggrieved silence , but it was broken almost immediately by the portrait , which suddenly spoke in its crisp , official voice . " To [the Prime Minister of Muggles]143-muggles . Requesting a meeting . Urgent . Kindly respond immediately . [Rufus Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour , [Minister of Magic]4433-minister of magic . "[651-the prime minister] " Yes , yes , fine , "[651-the prime minister] said [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister distractedly , and [he]651-the prime minister barely flinched as the flames in the grate turned emerald green again , rose up , and revealed [a second spinning wizard]808-a second spinning wizard in [their]809-their heart , disgorging [him]808-a second spinning wizard moments later onto the antique rug . [Fudge]139-fudge got to [his]139-fudge feet and , after a moment 's hesitation , [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister did the same , watching [the new arrival]811-the new arrival straighten up , dust down [his]139-fudge long black robes , and look around . [The Prime Minister]651-the prime minister 's first , foolish thought was that [Rufus Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour looked rather like an old lion . There were streaks of gray in [his]148-scrimgeour mane of tawny hair and [his]148-scrimgeour bushy eyebrows ; [he]148-scrimgeour had keen yellowish eyes behind a pair of wire - rimmed spectacles and a certain rangy , loping grace even though [he]148-scrimgeour walked with a slight limp . There was an immediate impression of shrewdness and toughness ; [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister thought [he]651-the prime minister understood why [the Wizarding community]814-the wizarding community preferred [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour to [Fudge]139-fudge as a leader in these dangerous times . " How do [you]148-scrimgeour do ? "[651-the prime minister] said [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister politely , holding out [his]651-the prime minister hand . [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour grasped it briefly , [his]148-scrimgeour eyes scanning [the room]685-the room , then pulled out a wand from under [his]148-scrimgeour robes . " [Fudge]139-fudge told [you]651-the prime minister everything ? "[148-scrimgeour] [he]148-scrimgeour asked , striding over to the door and tapping the keyhole with [his]148-scrimgeour wand . [The Prime Minister]651-the prime minister heard the lock click . " Er -- yes , "[651-the prime minister] said [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister . " And if [you]148-scrimgeour do n't mind , [I]651-the prime minister 'd rather that door remained unlocked . "[651-the prime minister] " [I]148-scrimgeour 'd rather not be interrupted , "[148-scrimgeour] said [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour shortly , " or watched , "[148-scrimgeour] [he]148-scrimgeour added , pointing [his]148-scrimgeour wand at the windows , so that the curtains swept across them . " Right , well , [I]148-scrimgeour 'm [a busy man]4444-a busy man , so let 's get down lo business . First of all , [we]4445-we need to discuss [your]148-scrimgeour security . "[148-scrimgeour] [The Prime Minister]651-the prime minister drew [himself]651-the prime minister up to [his]651-the prime minister fullest height and replied , " [I]651-the prime minister am perfectly happy with the security [I]651-the prime minister 've already got , thank [you]148-scrimgeour very-- "[651-the prime minister] " Well , [we]4445-we 're not , "[148-scrimgeour] [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour cut in . " It 'll be a poor lookout for [the Muggles]143-muggles if [[their]143-muggles [Prime Minister]4348-prime minister]4446-their prime minister gets put under the Imperius Curse . [The new secretary in [[your]148-scrimgeour outer office--]4449-your outer office--]4448-the new secretary in your outer office-- "[148-scrimgeour] " [I]651-the prime minister 'm not getting rid of [Kingsley Shacklebolt]149-kingsley shacklebolt , if that 's what [you]148-scrimgeour 're suggesting ! "[651-the prime minister] said [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister hotly . " [He]4348-prime minister 's highly efficient , gets through twice the work the rest of them-- "[651-the prime minister] " That 's because [he]4348-prime minister 's [a wizard]4450-a wizard , "[148-scrimgeour] said [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour , without a flicker of a smile . " [A highly trained Auror , who has been assigned to [you]148-scrimgeour for [your]148-scrimgeour protection]4451-a highly trained auror , who has been assigned to you for your protection . "[148-scrimgeour] " Now , wait a moment ! "[651-the prime minister] declared [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister . " [You]148-scrimgeour ca n't just put [[your]148-scrimgeour people]4353-your people into [[my]651-the prime minister office]4453-my office , [I]651-the prime minister decide who works for [me--]651-the prime minister "[651-the prime minister] " [I]148-scrimgeour thought [you]148-scrimgeour were happy with [Shacklebolt]149-kingsley shacklebolt ? "[148-scrimgeour] said [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour coldly . " [I]148-scrimgeour am -- that 's to say , [I]148-scrimgeour was-- "[148-scrimgeour] " Then there 's no problem , is there ? "[148-scrimgeour] said [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour . " [I]651-the prime minister ... well , as long as [Shacklebolt]149-kingsley shacklebolt 's work continues to be ... er ... excellent , "[651-the prime minister] said [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister lamely , but [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour barely seemed to hear [him]651-the prime minister . " Now , about [Herbert Chorley]137-herbert chorley , [[your]651-the prime minister Junior Minister]4454-your junior minister , "[651-the prime minister] [he]651-the prime minister continued . " The one who has been entertaining [the public]791-the public by impersonating a duck . "[651-the prime minister] " What about [him]137-herbert chorley ? "[651-the prime minister] asked [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister . " [He]137-herbert chorley has clearly reacted to a poorly performed Imperius Curse , "[148-scrimgeour] said [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour . " It 's addled [his]137-herbert chorley brains , but [he]137-herbert chorley could still be dangerous . "[148-scrimgeour] " [He]137-herbert chorley 's only quacking ! "[651-the prime minister] said [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister weakly . " Surely a bit of a rest ... Maybe go easy on the drink ... "[651-the prime minister] " [A team of Healers]4456-a team of healers from [[St.]8-st. [Mungo]150-st. mungo 's Hospital for [Magical Maladies and Injuries]4458-magical maladies and injuries]4457-st. mungo 's hospital for magical maladies and injuries are examining [him]137-herbert chorley as [we]4456-a team of healers speak . So far [he]137-herbert chorley has attempted to strangle three of [them]4456-a team of healers , "[148-scrimgeour] said [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour . " [I]148-scrimgeour think it best that [we]4456-a team of healers remove [him]137-herbert chorley from [Muggle society]4459-muggle society for a while . "[148-scrimgeour] " [I]651-the prime minister ... well ... [He]137-herbert chorley 'll be all right , wo n't [he]137-herbert chorley ? "[651-the prime minister] said [the Prime Minister]651-the prime minister anxiously . [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour merely shrugged , already moving back toward the fireplace . " Well , that 's really all [I]148-scrimgeour had to say . [I]148-scrimgeour will keep [you]651-the prime minister posted of developments , [Prime Minister]4348-prime minister -- or , at least , [I]148-scrimgeour shall probably be too busy to come personally , in which case [I]148-scrimgeour shall send [Fudge]139-fudge here . [He]139-fudge has consented to stay on in an advisory capacity . "[148-scrimgeour] [Fudge]139-fudge attempted to smile , but was unsuccessful ; [he]139-fudge merely looked as though [he]139-fudge had a toothache . [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour was already rummaging in [his]148-scrimgeour pocket for the mysterious powder that turned the fire green . [The Prime Minister]651-the prime minister gazed hopelessly at [the pair of [them]827-the pair of them]827-the pair of them for a moment , then the words [he]651-the prime minister had fought to suppress all evening burst from [him]651-the prime minister at last . " But for heaven 's sake -- [you're wizards]4461-you're wizards ! [You]4461-you're wizards can do magic ! Surely [you]4461-you're wizards can sort out -- well -- anything ! "[651-the prime minister] [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour turned slowly on the spot and exchanged an incredulous look with [Fudge]139-fudge , who really did manage a smile this time as [he]139-fudge said kindly , " The trouble is , [the other side]4462-the other side can do magic too , [Prime Minister]4348-prime minister . "[139-fudge] And with that , [the two wizards]828-the two wizards stepped one after the other into the bright green fire and vanished . Chapter 2 : [Spinner 's End]829-spinner 's end Many miles away the chilly mist that had pressed against [the Prime Minister]143-muggles 's windows drifted over [a dirty river]830-a dirty river that wound between [overgrown , rubbish - strewn banks]831-overgrown , rubbish - strewn banks . An immense chimney , relic of [a disused mill]832-a disused mill , reared up , shadowy and ominous . There was no sound apart from the whisper of the black water and no sign of life apart from a scrawny fox that had slunk down [the bank]833-the bank to nose hopefully at some old fish - and - chip wrappings in the tall grass . But then , with a very faint pop , a slim , hooded figure appeared out of thin air on [the edge of [the river]670-the river]834-the edge of the river . The fox froze , wary eyes fixed upon this strange new phenomenon . [The figure]836-the figure seemed to take its bearings for a few moments , then set off with light , quick strides , its long cloak rustling over the grass . With a second and louder pop , [another hooded figure]837-another hooded figure materialized . " Wait ! "[837-another hooded figure] The harsh cry startled the fox , now crouching almost flat in the undergrowth . It leapt from its hiding place and up [the bank]833-the bank . There was a flash of green light , a yelp , and the fox fell back to the ground , dead . [The second figure]839-the second figure turned over the animal with its toe . " Just a fox , "[840-a woman] said [a woman]840-a woman 's voice dismissively from under the hood . " [I]840-a woman thought perhaps [an Auror]4464-an auror -- [Cissy]151-cissy , wait ! "[840-a woman] But [her]840-a woman [quarry , who had paused and looked back at the flash of light]841-quarry , who had paused and looked back at the flash of light , was already scrambling up the bank the fox had just fallen down . " [Cissy]151-cissy -- [Narcissa]152-narcissa -- listen to [me--]152-narcissa "[842-the second woman] [The second woman]842-the second woman caught [the first]843-the first and seized [her]842-the second woman arm , but [the other]844-the other wrenched it away . " Go back , [Bella]153-katie ! "[844-the other] " [You]153-katie must listen to [me]844-the other ! "[844-the other] " [I]845-the woman named narcissa 've listened already . [I]845-the woman named narcissa 've made [my]845-the woman named narcissa decision . Leave [me]845-the woman named narcissa alone ! "[845-the woman named narcissa] [The woman named [Narcissa]152-narcissa]845-the woman named narcissa gained the top of [the bank]833-the bank , where a line of old railings separated [the river]670-the river from [a narrow , cobbled street]848-a narrow , cobbled street . [The other woman]849-the other woman , [Bella]153-katie , followed at once . Side by side [they]850-they stood looking across [the road]851-the road at [the rows and rows of [dilapidated brick houses]853-dilapidated brick houses]852-the rows and rows of dilapidated brick houses , [their]852-the rows and rows of dilapidated brick houses windows dull and blind in the darkness . " [He]4465-he lives [here]4439-here ? "[153-katie] asked [Bella]153-katie in a voice of contempt . " Here ? In [this Muggle dunghill]4467-this muggle dunghill ? [We]850-they must be the first of [our]850-they kind ever to set foot-- "[153-katie] But [Narcissa]152-narcissa was not listening ; [she]152-narcissa had slipped through a gap in the rusty railings and was already hurrying across [the road]851-the road . " [Cissy]151-cissy , wait ! "[152-narcissa] [Bella]153-katie followed , [her]153-katie cloak streaming behind , and saw [Narcissa]152-narcissa darting through [an alley]855-an alley between [the houses]856-the houses into [a second , almost identical street]857-a second , almost identical street . [Some of the streetlamps]858-some of the streetlamps were broken ; [the two women]859-the two women were running between patches of light and deep darkness . [The pursuer]860-the pursuer caught up with [her]860-the pursuer prey just as [she]860-the pursuer turned another corner , this time succeeding in catching hold of [her]860-the pursuer arm and swinging [her]860-the pursuer around so that [they]859-the two women faced [each other]4377-each other . " [Cissy]151-cissy , [you]151-cissy must not do this , [you]151-cissy ca n't trust [him--]4468-him-- "[860-the pursuer] " [The Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord trusts [him]4469-the dark lord , does n't [he]4469-the dark lord ? "[153-katie] " [The Dark Lord]154-the dark lord is ... [I]153-katie believe ... mistaken , "[153-katie] [Bella]153-katie panted , and [her]153-katie eyes gleamed momentarily under [her]153-katie hood as [she]153-katie looked around to check that [they]859-the two women were indeed alone . " In any case , [we]859-the two women were told not to speak of the plan to [anyone]660-anyone . This is a betrayal of [the Dark Lord's--]155-the dark lord's-- "[153-katie] " Let go , [Bella]153-katie ! "[152-narcissa] snarled [Narcissa]152-narcissa , and [she]152-narcissa drew a wand from beneath [her]152-narcissa cloak , holding it threateningly in the other 's face . [Bella]153-katie merely laughed . " [Cissy]151-cissy , [[your]151-cissy own sister]4471-your own sister ? [You]151-cissy wouldn't-- "[153-katie] " There is nothing [I]152-narcissa would n't do anymore ! "[152-narcissa] [Narcissa]152-narcissa breathed , a note of hysteria in [her]152-narcissa voice , and as [she]152-narcissa brought down the wand like a knife , there was another flash of light . [Bella]153-katie let go of [[her]153-katie sister]862-her sister 's arm as though burned . " [Narcissa]152-narcissa ! "[153-katie] But [Narcissa]152-narcissa had rushed ahead . Rubbing [her]152-narcissa hand , [[her]152-narcissa pursuer]863-her pursuer followed again , keeping [her]152-narcissa distance now , as [they]864-they moved deeper into [the deserted labyrinth of [brick houses]866-brick houses]865-the deserted labyrinth of brick houses . At last , [Narcissa]152-narcissa hurried up [a street]867-a street named [Spinner 's End]9-spinner 's end , over which [the towering mill chimney]868-the towering mill chimney seemed to hover like a giant admonitory finger . [Her]152-narcissa footsteps echoed on the cobbles as [she]152-narcissa passed boarded and broken windows , until [she]152-narcissa reached [the very last house]869-the very last house , where a dim light glimmered through the curtains in [a downstairs room]870-a downstairs room . [She]152-narcissa had knocked on the door before [Bella]153-katie , cursing under [her]153-katie breath , had caught up . Together [they]864-they stood waiting , panting slightly , breathing in the smell of the dirty river that was carried to [them]864-they on the night breeze . After a few seconds , [they]864-they heard movement behind the door and it opened a crack . A sliver of [a man]4389-a man could be seen looking out at [them]864-they , [a man with long black hair parted in curtains around a sallow face and black eyes]872-a man with long black hair parted in curtains around a sallow face and black eyes . [Narcissa]152-narcissa threw back [her]152-narcissa hood . [She]152-narcissa was so pale that [she]152-narcissa seemed to shine in the darkness ; the long blonde hair streaming down [her]152-narcissa back gave [her]152-narcissa the look of [a drowned person]873-a drowned person . " [Narcissa]152-narcissa ! "[874-the man] said [the man]874-the man , opening the door a little wider , so that the light fell upon [her]152-narcissa and [[her]152-narcissa sister]862-her sister too . " What a pleasant surprise ! "[874-the man] [Severus]156-snape , " [she]152-narcissa said in a strained whisper . "[156-snape] May [I]0-i speak to [you]156-snape ? It 's urgent . " "[0-i] But of course . " [He]156-snape stood back to allow [her]152-narcissa to pass [him]156-snape into [the house]4472-the house . [[Her]152-narcissa still - hooded sister]4473-her still - hooded sister followed without invitation . "[156-snape] [Snape]156-snape , " [she]152-narcissa said curtly as [she]152-narcissa passed [him]156-snape . "[156-snape] [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix , " [he]156-snape replied , [his]156-snape thin mouth curling into a slightly mocking smile as [he]156-snape closed the door with a snap behind [them]4474-them . [They]4474-them had stepped directly into [a tiny sitting room]4475-a tiny sitting room , which had the feeling of [a dark , padded cell]4476-a dark , padded cell . The walls were completely covered in books , most of them bound in old black or brown leather ; a threadbare sofa , an old armchair , and a rickety table stood grouped together in a pool of dim light cast by a candle - filled lamp hung from the ceiling . [The place]4424-the place had an air of neglect , as though [it]4424-the place was not usually inhabited . [Snape]156-snape gestured [Narcissa]152-narcissa to the sofa . [She]152-narcissa threw off [her]152-narcissa cloak , cast it aside , and sat down , staring at [her]152-narcissa white and trembling hands clasped in [her]152-narcissa lap . [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix lowered [her]157-bellatrix hood more slowly . Dark as [[her]157-bellatrix sister]862-her sister was fair , with heavily lidded eyes and a strong jaw , [she]157-bellatrix did not take [her]157-bellatrix gaze from [Snape]156-snape as [she]157-bellatrix moved to stand behind [Narcissa]152-narcissa . "[157-bellatrix] So , what can [I]0-i do for [you]876-you ? " [Snape]156-snape asked , settling [himself]0-i in the armchair opposite [the two sisters]4479-the two sisters . "[0-i] [We]877-we ... [we]877-we are alone , are n't [we]877-we ? " [Narcissa]152-narcissa asked quietly . ' Yes , of course . Well , [Wormtail]158-wormtail 's here , but [we]877-we 're not counting vermin , are [we]877-we ? "[0-i] [He]0-i pointed [his]0-i wand at the wall of books behind [him]0-i and with a bang , a hidden door flew open , revealing a narrow staircase upon which [a small man]878-a small man stood frozen . " As [you]158-wormtail have clearly realized , [Wormtail]158-wormtail , [we]877-we have [guests]4480-guests , "[156-snape] said [Snape]156-snape lazily . [The man]874-the man crept , hunchbacked , down the last few steps and moved into [the room]685-the room . [He]874-the man had small , watery eyes , a pointed nose , and wore an unpleasant simper . [His]874-the man left hand was caressing [his]874-the man right , which looked as though it was encased in a bright silver glove . " [Narcissa]152-narcissa ! "[874-the man] [he]874-the man said , in a squeaky voice . " And [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix ! How charming-- "[874-the man] " [Wormtail]158-wormtail will get [us]877-we drinks , if [you]158-wormtail 'd like them , "[156-snape] said [Snape]156-snape . " And then [he]158-wormtail will return to [[his]158-wormtail bedroom]4481-his bedroom . "[156-snape] [Wormtail]158-wormtail winced as though [Snape]156-snape had thrown something at [him]158-wormtail . " [I]158-wormtail am not [[your]156-snape servant]4482-your servant ! "[158-wormtail] [he]158-wormtail squeaked , avoiding [Snape]156-snape 's eye . " Really ? [I]158-wormtail was under the impression that [the Dark Lord]154-the dark lord placed [you]158-wormtail here to assist [me]158-wormtail . "[158-wormtail] " To assist , yes -- but not to make [you]158-wormtail drinks and -- and clean [[your]158-wormtail house]4483-your house ! "[156-snape] " [I]156-snape had no idea , [Wormtail]158-wormtail , that [you]158-wormtail were craving more dangerous assignments , "[156-snape] said [Snape]156-snape silkily . " This can be easily arranged : [I]156-snape shall speak to [the Dark Lord--]4484-the dark lord-- "[156-snape] " [I]156-snape can speak to [him]4484-the dark lord-- [myself]156-snape if [I]156-snape want to ! "[156-snape] " Of course [you]156-snape can , "[156-snape] said [Snape]156-snape , sneering . " But in the meantime , bring [us]881-us drinks . Some of the elf - made wine will do . "[156-snape] [Wormtail]158-wormtail hesitated for a moment , looking as though [he]158-wormtail might argue , but then turned and headed through a second hidden door . [They]881-us heard banging and a clinking of glasses . Within seconds [he]158-wormtail was back , bearing a dusty bottle and three glasses upon a tray . [He]158-wormtail dropped these on the rickety table and scurried from [their]881-us presence , slamming the book - covered door behind [him]158-wormtail . [Snape]156-snape poured out three glasses of bloodred wine and handed two of them to [the sisters]882-the sisters . [Narcissa]152-narcissa murmured a word of thanks , whilst [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix said nothing , but continued to glower at [Snape]156-snape . This did not seem to discompose [him]158-wormtail ; on the contrary , [he]158-wormtail looked rather amused . " [The Dark Lord]154-the dark lord , "[158-wormtail] [he]158-wormtail said , raising [his]158-wormtail glass and draining it . [The sisters]882-the sisters copied [him]158-wormtail . [Snape]156-snape refilled [their]882-the sisters glasses . As [Narcissa]152-narcissa took [her]152-narcissa second drink [she]152-narcissa said in a rush , " [Severus]156-snape , [I]152-narcissa 'm sorry to come here like this , but [I]152-narcissa had to see [you]156-snape . [I]152-narcissa think [you]156-snape are the only one who can help [me--]152-narcissa "[152-narcissa] [Snape]156-snape held up a hand to stop [her]152-narcissa , then pointed [his]156-snape wand again at the concealed staircase door . There was a loud bang and a squeal , followed by the sound of Wormtail scurrying back up [the stairs]884-the stairs . " [My]156-snape apologies , "[156-snape] said [Snape]156-snape . " [He]156-snape has lately taken to listening at doors , [I]156-snape do n't know what [he]156-snape means by it ... [You]156-snape were saying , [Narcissa]152-narcissa ? "[156-snape] [She]152-narcissa took a great , shuddering breath and started again . " [Severus]156-snape , [I]152-narcissa know [I]152-narcissa ought not to be [here]4439-here , [I]152-narcissa have been told to say nothing to [anyone]660-anyone , but-- "[152-narcissa] " Then [you]152-narcissa ought to hold [your]152-narcissa tongue ! "[157-bellatrix] snarled [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix . " Particularly in present company ! "[157-bellatrix] ' " Present company ' ? "[156-snape] repeated [Snape]156-snape sardonically . " And what urn [I]156-snape to understand by that , [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix ? "[156-snape] " That [I]152-narcissa do n't trust [you]156-snape , [Snape]156-snape , as [you]156-snape very well know ! "[152-narcissa] [Narcissa]152-narcissa let out a noise that might have been a dry sob and covered [her]152-narcissa face with [her]152-narcissa hands . [Snape]156-snape set [his]156-snape glass down upon the table and sat back again , [his]156-snape hands upon the arms of [his]156-snape chair , smiling into [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix 's glowering face . " [Narcissa]152-narcissa , [I]156-snape think [we]4487-we ought to hear what [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix is bursting to say ; it will save tedious interruptions . Well , continue , [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix , "[156-snape] said [Snape]156-snape . " Why is it that [you]157-bellatrix do not trust [me]156-snape ? "[156-snape] " A hundred reasons ! "[157-bellatrix] [she]157-bellatrix said loudly , striding out from behind the sofa to slam [her]157-bellatrix glass upon the table . " Where to start ! Where were [you]157-bellatrix when [the Dark Lord]154-the dark lord fell ? Why did [you]157-bellatrix never make any attempt to find [him]154-the dark lord when [he]154-the dark lord vanished ? What have [you]157-bellatrix been doing all these years that [you]157-bellatrix 've lived in [[Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's pocket]4488-dumbledore 's pocket ? Why did [you]157-bellatrix stop [the Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord procuring [the Sorcerer]159-the sorcerer 's Stone ? Why did [you]157-bellatrix not return at once when [the Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord was reborn ? Where were [you]157-bellatrix a few weeks ago when [we]4491-we battled to retrieve the prophecy for [the Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord ? And why , [Snape]156-snape , is [Harry Potter]136-harry still alive , when [you]157-bellatrix have had [him]136-harry at [your]157-bellatrix mercy for five years ? "[885-you] [She]885-you paused , [her]885-you chest rising and falling rapidly , the color high in [her]885-you cheeks . Behind [her]885-you , [Narcissa]152-narcissa sat motionless , [her]152-narcissa face still hidden in [her]152-narcissa hands . [Snape]156-snape smiled . " Before [I]156-snape answer [you]885-you — oh yes , [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix , [I]156-snape am going to answer ! [You]885-you can carry [my]156-snape words back to [the others who whisper behind [my]156-snape back]4493-the others who whisper behind my back , and carry false tales of [my]156-snape treachery to [the Dark Lord]154-the dark lord ! Before [I]156-snape answer [you]885-you , [I]156-snape say , let [me]156-snape ask a question in turn . Do [you]885-you really think that [the Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord has not asked [me]156-snape each and every one of those questions ? And do [you]885-you really think that , had [I]156-snape not been able to give satisfactory answers , [I]156-snape would be sitting here talking to [you]885-you ? "[156-snape] [She]886-she hesitated . " [I]156-snape know [he]4469-the dark lord believes [you]156-snape , but . . . "[156-snape] " [You]156-snape think [he]4469-the dark lord is mistaken ? Or that [I]157-bellatrix have somehow hoodwinked [him]4469-the dark lord ? Fooled [the Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord , the greatest wizard , [the most accomplished [Legilimens]160-legilimens [the world]714-the world has ever seen]4496-the most accomplished legilimens the world has ever seen ? "[157-bellatrix] [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix said nothing , but looked , for the first time , a little discomfited . [Snape]156-snape did not press the point . [He]156-snape picked up [his]156-snape drink again , sipped it , and continued , " [You]157-bellatrix ask where [I]156-snape was when [the Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord fell . [I]156-snape was where [he]4469-the dark lord had ordered [me]156-snape to be , at [Hogwarts School]11-hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry , because [he]4469-the dark lord wished [me]156-snape to spy upon [Albus Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . [You]157-bellatrix know , [I]156-snape presume , that it was on [the Dark Lord]154-the dark lord 's orders that [I]156-snape took up the post ? "[156-snape] [She]157-bellatrix nodded almost imperceptibly and then opened [her]157-bellatrix mouth , but [Snape]156-snape forestalled [her]157-bellatrix . " [You]157-bellatrix ask why [I]156-snape did not attempt to find [him]4469-the dark lord when [he]4469-the dark lord vanished . For the same reason that [Avery]162-avery , [Yaxley]12-yaxley , [the Carrows]163-the carrows , [Greyback]283-greyback , [Lucius]164-lucius "[156-snape] — [he]156-snape inclined [his]156-snape head slightly to [Narcissa]152-narcissa — " and [many others]4499-many others did not attempt to find [him]4469-the dark lord . [I]156-snape believed [him]4469-the dark lord finished . [I]156-snape am not proud of it , [I]156-snape was wrong , but there it is . ... If [he]4469-the dark lord had not forgiven [we]4500-we [who lost faith at that time]4501-who lost faith at that time , [he]4469-the dark lord would have [very few followers]4502-very few followers left . "[156-snape] " [He]4469-the dark lord 'd have [me]157-bellatrix ! "[157-bellatrix] said [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix passionately . " [I]157-bellatrix , who spent many years in [Azkaban]3-azkaban for [him]4469-the dark lord ! "[157-bellatrix] " Yes , indeed , most admirable , "[156-snape] said [Snape]156-snape in a bored voice . " Of [i]156-snape nurse , [you]157-bellatrix were n't a lot of use to [him]4469-the dark lord in [prison]4503-prison , but the gesture was undoubtedly fine — "[156-snape] " Gesture ! "[157-bellatrix] [she]157-bellatrix shrieked ; in [her]157-bellatrix fury [she]157-bellatrix looked slightly mad . " While [I]157-bellatrix endured [the dementors]4371-the dementors , [you]156-snape remained at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , comfortably playing [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's pet ! "[157-bellatrix] " Not quite , "[156-snape] said [Snape]156-snape calmly . " [He]4469-the dark lord would n't give [me]156-snape the Defense Against the Dark Arts job , [you]157-bellatrix know . Seemed to think it might , ah , bring about a relapse , . . tempt [me]156-snape into [my]156-snape old ways . "[156-snape] " This was [your]156-snape sacrifice for [the Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord , not to teach [your]156-snape favorite subject ? "[157-bellatrix] [she]157-bellatrix jeered . " Why did [you]156-snape stay [there]4506-there all that time , [Snape]156-snape ? Still spying on [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore for [a master [you]156-snape believed dead]4507-a master you believed dead ? "[157-bellatrix] " Hardly , "[156-snape] said [Snape]156-snape , " although [the Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord is pleased that [I]156-snape never deserted [[my]156-snape post]4509-my post : [I]156-snape had sixteen years of information on [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore to give [him]146-dumbledore when [he]146-dumbledore returned , a rather more useful welcome - back present than endless reminiscences of how unpleasant [Azkaban]3-azkaban is . . . . "[156-snape] " But [you]156-snape stayed — "[156-snape] " Yes , [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix , [I]156-snape stayed , "[156-snape] said [Snape]156-snape , betraying a hint of impatience for the first time . " [I]156-snape had a comfortable job that [I]156-snape preferred to a stint in [Azkaban]3-azkaban . [They]4510-they were rounding up [the Death Eaters]4511-the death eaters , [you]157-bellatrix know . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's protection kept [me]156-snape out of [jail]4512-jail ; it was most convenient and [I]156-snape used it . [I]156-snape repeat : [The Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord does not complain that [I]156-snape stayed , so [I]156-snape do not see why [you]157-bellatrix do . "[156-snape] [I]0-i think [you]887-you next wanted to know , " [he]0-i pressed on a little more loudly , for [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix showed every sign of interrupting , "[887-you] why [I]0-i stood between [the Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord and [the Sorcerer]889-the sorcerer 's Stone . That is easily answered . [He]0-i did not know whether [he]0-i could trust [me]0-i . [He]0-i thought , like [you]887-you , that [I]0-i had turned from [faithful Death Eater]890-faithful death eater to [[Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's stooge]891-dumbledore 's stooge . [He]0-i was in a pitiable condition , very weak , sharing the body of [a mediocre wizard]892-a mediocre wizard . [He]0-i did not dare reveal [himself]0-i to [a former ally]893-a former ally if [that ally]894-that ally might turn [him]0-i over to [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore or [the Ministry]4400-the ministry . [I]0-i deeply regret that [he]0-i did not trust [me]0-i . [He]0-i would have returned to power three years sooner . As it was , [I]0-i saw only greedy and unworthy [Quirrell]165-quirrell attempting to steal the stone and , [I]0-i admit , [I]0-i did all [I]0-i could to thwart [him]165-quirrell . " [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix 's mouth twisted as though [she]157-bellatrix had taken an unpleasant dose of medicine . "[0-i] But [you]0-i did n't return when [he]0-i came back , [you]0-i did n't fly back to [him]0-i at once when [you]0-i felt the Dark Mark burn — " "[0-i] Correct . [I]0-i returned two hours later . [I]0-i returned on [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's orders . " "[0-i] On [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's — ? " [she]157-bellatrix began , in tones of outrage . "[146-dumbledore] Think ! " said [Snape]156-snape , impatient again . "[146-dumbledore] Think ! By waiting two hours , just two hours , [I]0-i ensured that [I]0-i could remain at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts as [a spy]896-a spy ! By allowing [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore to think that [I]0-i was only returning to [the Dark Lord]154-the dark lord 's side because [I]0-i was ordered to , [I]0-i have been able to pass information on [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore and the Order of [the Phoenix]166-the phoenix ever since ! [Consider]167-consider , [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix : [The Dark Mark]168-the dark mark had been growing stronger for months . [I]0-i knew [he]146-dumbledore must be about to return , [all the Death Eaters]897-all the death eaters knew ! [I]0-i had plenty of time to think about what [I]0-i wanted to do , to plan [my]0-i next move , to escape like [Karkaroff]169-karkaroff , did n't [I]0-i ? " [The Dark Lord]154-the dark lord 's initial displeasure at [my]157-bellatrix lateness vanished entirely , [1]157-bellatrix assure [you]4514-you , when [I]157-bellatrix explained that [1]4515-1 remained faithful , although [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore thought [I]157-bellatrix was [[his]146-dumbledore man]4516-his man . Yes , [the Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord thought that [I]157-bellatrix had left [him]146-dumbledore forever , but [he]146-dumbledore was wrong . "[157-bellatrix] " But what use have [you]156-snape been ? "[157-bellatrix] sneered [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix . " What useful information have [we]4518-we had from [you]156-snape ? "[157-bellatrix] " [My]156-snape information has been conveyed directly to [the Dark Lord]154-the dark lord , "[156-snape] said [Snape]156-snape . " If [he]154-the dark lord chooses not to share it with [you]157-bellatrix — "[156-snape] " [He]154-the dark lord shares everything with [me]157-bellatrix ! "[157-bellatrix] said [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix , firing up at once . " [He]154-the dark lord calls [me]157-bellatrix [his]154-the dark lord most loyal , [[his]154-the dark lord most faithful]4519-his most faithful — "[157-bellatrix] " Does [he]154-the dark lord ? "[156-snape] said [Snape]156-snape , [his]156-snape voice delicately inflected to suggest [his]156-snape disbelief . " Does [he]154-the dark lord still , after the fiasco at [the Ministry]4400-the ministry ? "[156-snape] " That was not [my]157-bellatrix fault ! "[157-bellatrix] said [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix , flushing . " [The Dark Lord]154-the dark lord has , in the past , entrusted [me]157-bellatrix with [his]154-the dark lord most precious — if [Lucius]164-lucius had n't — "[157-bellatrix] " Do n't [you]157-bellatrix dare — do n't [you]157-bellatrix dare blame [[my]152-narcissa husband]4521-my husband ! "[152-narcissa] said [Narcissa]152-narcissa , in a low and deadly voice , looking up at [[her]152-narcissa sister]862-her sister . " There is no point apportioning blame , "[156-snape] said [Snape]156-snape smoothly . " What is done , is done . "[156-snape] " But not by [you]156-snape ! "[157-bellatrix] said [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix furiously . " No , [you]156-snape were once again absent while [the rest of [us]4523-us]4522-the rest of us ran dangers , were [you]156-snape not , [Snape]156-snape ? "[157-bellatrix] " [My]156-snape orders were to remain behind , "[156-snape] said [Snape]156-snape . " Perhaps [you]157-bellatrix disagree with [the Dark Lord]154-the dark lord , perhaps [you]157-bellatrix think that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore would not have noticed if [I]156-snape had joined forces with [the Death Eaters]4511-the death eaters to fight [the Order of the Phoenix]4525-the order of the phoenix ? And — forgive [me]156-snape — [you]157-bellatrix speak of dangers . . . [you]157-bellatrix were facing [six teenagers]4526-six teenagers , were [you]157-bellatrix not ? "[156-snape] " [They]4526-six teenagers were joined , as [you]157-bellatrix very well know , by half of [the Order]4527-the order before long ! "[157-bellatrix] snarled [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix . " And , while [we]4528-we are on the subject of the Order , [you]157-bellatrix still claim [you]157-bellatrix can not reveal the whereabouts of [[their]4527-the order headquarters]4529-their headquarters , do n't [you]157-bellatrix ? "[157-bellatrix] " [I]899-i am not [the Secret - Keeper]4530-the secret - keeper ; [I]899-i can not speak the name of [the place]4424-the place . [You]157-bellatrix understand how the enchantment works , [I]899-i think ? [The Dark Lord]154-the dark lord is satisfied with the information [I]899-i have passed [him]154-the dark lord on the Order . It led , as perhaps [you]157-bellatrix have guessed , to the recent capture and murder of [Emmeline Vance]142-emmeline vance , and it certainly helped dispose of [Sirius Black]144-sirius , though [I]899-i give [you]157-bellatrix full credit for finishing [him]144-sirius off . "[899-i] [He]899-i inclined [his]899-i head and toasted [her]900-you . [Her]900-you expression did nor soften . " [You]157-bellatrix are avoiding [my]900-you last question , [Snape]156-snape . [Harry Potter]136-harry . [You]157-bellatrix could have killed [him]136-harry at any point in the past five years . [You]157-bellatrix have not done it . Why ? "[900-you] " Have [you]157-bellatrix discussed this matter with [the Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord ? "[156-snape] asked [Snape]156-snape . " [He]136-harry . . . lately , [we]4533-we ... [I]156-snape am asking [you]156-snape , [Snape]156-snape ! "[156-snape] " If [I]900-you had murdered [Harry Potter]136-harry , [the Dark Lord]154-the dark lord could not have used [his]136-harry blood to regenerate , making [him]136-harry invincible — "[900-you] " [You]900-you claim [you]900-you foresaw [his]136-harry use of [the boy]4442-the boy ! "[901-i] [she]901-i jeered . " [I]901-i do not claim it ; [I]901-i had no idea of [his]136-harry plans ; [I]901-i have already confessed that [I]901-i thought [the Dark Lord]154-the dark lord dead . [I]901-i am merely trying to explain why [the Dark Lord]154-the dark lord is not sorry that [Potter]136-harry survived , at least until a year ago . . . . "[901-i] " But why did [you]900-you keep [him]136-harry alive ? "[900-you] " Have [you]900-you not understood [me]901-i ? It was only [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's protection that was keeping [me]901-i out of [Azkaban]3-azkaban ! Do [you]900-you disagree that murdering [[his]136-harry favorite student]4535-his favorite student might have turned [him]136-harry against [me]901-i ? But there was more to it than that . [I]901-i should remind [you]900-you that when [Potter]136-harry first arrived at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts there were still many stories circulating about [him]136-harry , rumors that [he]136-harry [himself]136-harry was [a great Dark wizard]4536-a great dark wizard , which was how [he]136-harry had survived [the Dark Lord]154-the dark lord 's attack . Indeed , [many of [the Dark Lords old followers]4538-the dark lords old followers]4537-many of the dark lords old followers thought [Potter]136-harry might be a standard around which [we]4539-we could all rally once more . [I]901-i was curious , [1]901-i admit it , and not at all inclined to murder [him]902-him the moment [he]902-him set fool in [the castle]4540-the castle . "[901-i] Of course , it became apparent to [me]0-i very quickly that [he]902-him had no extraordinary talent at all . [He]902-him has fought [his]902-him way out of a number of tight corners by a simple combination of sheer luck and [more talented friends]903-more talented friends . [He]902-him is mediocre to the last degree , though as obnoxious and self - satisfied as was [[his]902-him father]904-his father before [him]902-him . [I]0-i have done [my]0-i utmost to have [him]902-him thrown out of [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , where [I]0-i believe [he]902-him scarcely belongs , but kill [him]902-him , or allow [him]902-him to be killed in front of [me]0-i ? [I]0-i would have been a fool to risk it with [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore close at hand . " "[146-dumbledore] And through all this [we]905-we are supposed to believe [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore has never suspected [you]0-i ? " asked [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix . "[146-dumbledore] [He]146-dumbledore has no idea of [your]0-i true allegiance , [he]146-dumbledore trusts [you]0-i implicitly still ? " "[146-dumbledore] [I]0-i have played [my]0-i part well , " said [Snape]156-snape . "[146-dumbledore] And [you]0-i overlook [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's greatest weakness : [He]146-dumbledore has to believe the best of [people]681-people . [I]0-i spun [him]146-dumbledore a tale of deepest remorse when [I]0-i joined [his]146-dumbledore staff , fresh from [my]0-i Death Eater days , and [he]146-dumbledore embraced [me]0-i with open arms — though , as [I]0-i say , never allowing [me]0-i nearer [the Dark Arts]907-the dark arts than [he]146-dumbledore could help . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore has been [a great wizard]908-a great wizard — oh yes , [he]146-dumbledore has , " ( for [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix had made a scathing noise ) , "[154-the dark lord] [the Dark Lord]154-the dark lord acknowledges it . [I]0-i am pleased to say , however , that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore is growing old . The duel with [the Dark Lord]154-the dark lord last month shook [him]146-dumbledore . [He]146-dumbledore has since sustained a serious injury because [his]146-dumbledore reactions are slower than they once were . But through all these years , [he]146-dumbledore has never stopped trusting [Severus Snape]156-snape , and therein lies [my]0-i great value to [the Dark Lord]154-the dark lord . " [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix still looked unhappy , though [she]157-bellatrix appeared unsure how best to attack [Snape]156-snape next . Taking advantage of [her]157-bellatrix silence , [Snape]156-snape turned to [[her]157-bellatrix sister]862-her sister . "[154-the dark lord] Now . . . [you]909-you came to ask [me]0-i for help , [Narcissa]152-narcissa ? " [Narcissa]152-narcissa looked up at [him]156-snape , [her]152-narcissa face eloquent with despair . "[909-you] Yes , [Severus]156-snape . [I]0-i — [I]0-i think [you]909-you are the only one who can help [me]0-i , [I]0-i have nowhere else to turn . [Lucius]164-lucius is in [jail]4512-jail and . . . " [She]152-narcissa closed [her]152-narcissa eyes and two large tears seeped from beneath [her]152-narcissa eyelids . "[164-lucius] [The Dark Lord]154-the dark lord has forbidden [me]0-i to speak of it , " [Narcissa]152-narcissa continued , [her]152-narcissa eyes still closed . "[154-the dark lord] [He]154-the dark lord wishes [none]911-none to know of the plan . It is ... very secret . But — " "[154-the dark lord] If [he]154-the dark lord has forbidden it , [you]0-i ought not to speak , " said [Snape]156-snape at once . "[154-the dark lord] The [Dark Lord]154-the dark lord 's word is law . " [Narcissa]152-narcissa gasped as though [he]156-snape had doused [her]152-narcissa with cold water . [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix looked satisfied for the first time since [she]157-bellatrix had entered [the house]4472-the house . "[154-the dark lord] There ! " [she]157-bellatrix said triumphantly to [[her]157-bellatrix sister]862-her sister . "[154-the dark lord] Even [Snape]156-snape says so : [You]0-i were told not to talk , so hold [your]0-i silence ! " But [Snape]156-snape had gotten to [his]156-snape feet and strode to the small window , peered through the curtains at [the deserted street]4544-the deserted street , then closed them again with a jerk . [He]156-snape turned around to face [Narcissa]152-narcissa , frowning . "[156-snape] It so happens that [I]0-i know of the plan , " [he]0-i said in a low voice . "[0-i] [I]0-i am one of the few [the Dark Lord]154-the dark lord has told . Nevertheless , had [I]0-i not been in on the secret , [Narcissa]152-narcissa , [you]152-narcissa would have been guilty of great treachery to [the Dark Lord]154-the dark lord . " "[0-i] [I]0-i thought [you]0-i must know about it ! " said [Narcissa]152-narcissa , breathing more freely . "[0-i] [He]154-the dark lord trusts [you]0-i so , [Severus]156-snape . ... " "[0-i] [You]0-i know about the plan ? " said [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix , [her]157-bellatrix fleeting expression of satisfaction replaced by a look of outrage . "[0-i] [You]0-i know ? " "[0-i] Certainly , " said [Snape]156-snape . "[0-i] But what help do [you]152-narcissa require , [Nar - cissa]15-nar - cissa ? If [you]152-narcissa are imagining [I]0-i can persuade [the Dark Lord]154-the dark lord to change [his]154-the dark lord mind , [I]0-i am afraid there is no hope , none at all . " "[156-snape] [Severus]156-snape , " [she]157-bellatrix whispered , tears sliding down [her]157-bellatrix pale cheeks . "[156-snape] [[My]0-i son]912-my son . . . [[my]0-i only son]913-my only son . . . " "[156-snape] [Draco]170-malfoy should be proud , " said [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix indifferently . "[156-snape] [The Dark Lord]154-the dark lord is granting [him]170-malfoy a great honor . And [I]0-i will say this for [Draco]170-malfoy : [he]170-malfoy is n't shrinking away from [his]170-malfoy duty , [he]170-malfoy seems glad of a chance to prove [himself]170-malfoy , excited at the prospect — " [Narcissa]152-narcissa began to cry in earnest , gazing beseechingly all the while at [Snape]156-snape . "[170-malfoy] That 's because [he]170-malfoy is sixteen and has no idea what lies in store ! Why , [Severus]156-snape ? Why [[my]0-i son]912-my son ? It is too dangerous ! This is vengeance [lor Lucius]164-lucius 's mistake , [I]0-i know it ! " [Snape]156-snape said nothing . [He]156-snape looked away from the sight of [her]152-narcissa tears as though they were indecent , but [he]156-snape could not pretend not to hear [her]152-narcissa . "[164-lucius] That 's why [he]164-lucius 's chosen [Draco]170-malfoy , is n't it ? " [she]152-narcissa persisted . "[170-malfoy] To punish [Lucius]164-lucius ? " "[170-malfoy] If [Draco]170-malfoy succeeds , " said [Snape]156-snape , still looking away from [her]152-narcissa , "[170-malfoy] [he]170-malfoy will be honored above all others . " "[170-malfoy] But [he]170-malfoy wo n't succeed ! " sobbed [Narcissa]152-narcissa . "[170-malfoy] How can [he]170-malfoy , when [the Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord [himself]4469-the dark lord — ? " [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix gasped ; [Narcissa]152-narcissa seemed to lose [her]152-narcissa nerve . "[170-malfoy] [I]0-i only meant . . . that [nobody]687-nobody has yet succeeded . . . . [Severus]156-snape . . . please . . . [You]156-snape are , [you]156-snape have always been , [[Draco]170-malfoy 's favorite teacher]917-draco 's favorite teacher . . . . [You]156-snape are [[Lucius]164-lucius 's old friend]918-lucius 's old friend . ... [I]0-i beg [you]156-snape . .. . [You]156-snape are [[the Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord 's favorite]920-the dark lord 's favorite , [[his]4469-the dark lord most trusted advisor]921-his most trusted advisor . . . . Will [you]156-snape speak to [him]4469-the dark lord , persuade [him]4469-the dark lord — ? " "[156-snape] [The Dark Lord]154-the dark lord will not be persuaded , and [I]0-i am not stupid enough to attempt it , " said [Snape]156-snape flatly . "[0-i] [I]0-i can not pretend that [the Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord is not angry with [Lucius]164-lucius . [Lucius]164-lucius was supposed to be in charge . [He]4469-the dark lord got [himself]4469-the dark lord captured , along with how many others , and failed to retrieve the prophecy into the bargain . Yes , [the Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord is angry , [Narcissa]152-narcissa , very angry indeed . " "[4469-the dark lord] Then [I]0-i am right , [he]4469-the dark lord has chosen [Draco]170-malfoy in revenge ! " choked [Narcissa]152-narcissa . "[4469-the dark lord] [He]4469-the dark lord does not mean [him]170-malfoy to succeed , [he]4469-the dark lord wants [him]170-malfoy to be killed trying ! " When [Snape]156-snape said nothing , [Narcissa]152-narcissa seemed to lose what little self - restraint [she]152-narcissa still possessed . Standing up , [she]152-narcissa staggered to [Snape]156-snape and seized the front of [his]156-snape robes . [Her]152-narcissa face close to [his]156-snape , [her]152-narcissa tears falling onto [his]156-snape chest , [she]152-narcissa gasped , "[924-you] [You]924-you could do it . [You]924-you could do it instead of [Draco]170-malfoy , [Severus]156-snape . [You]924-you would succeed , of course [you]924-you would , and [he]170-malfoy would reward [you]924-you beyond all of [us]925-us — " [Snape]156-snape caught hold of [her]152-narcissa wrists and removed [her]152-narcissa clutching hands . Looking down into [her]152-narcissa tearstained face , [he]156-snape said slowly , "[170-malfoy] [He]170-malfoy intends [me]0-i to do it in the end , [I]0-i think . But [he]170-malfoy is determined that [Draco]170-malfoy should try first . [You]926-you see , in the unlikely event that [Draco]170-malfoy succeeds , [I]0-i shall be able to remain at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts a little longer , fulfilling [my]0-i useful role as [spy]927-spy . " "[926-you] In other words , it does n't matter to [him]170-malfoy if [Draco]170-malfoy is killed ! " "[154-the dark lord] [The Dark Lord]154-the dark lord is very angry , " repeated [Snape]156-snape quietly . "[170-malfoy] [He]170-malfoy failed to hear the prophecy . [You]926-you know as well as [I]0-i do , [Narcissa]152-narcissa , that [he]170-malfoy does not forgive easily . " [She]152-narcissa crumpled , falling at [his]156-snape feet , sobbing and moaning on the floor . "[170-malfoy] [[My]0-i only son]913-my only son . . . [[my]0-i only son]913-my only son . . . " "[170-malfoy] [You]0-i should be proud ! " said [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix ruthlessly . "[0-i] If [I]0-i had [sons]930-sons , [I]0-i would be glad to give [them]930-sons up to the service of [the Dark Lord]154-the dark lord ! " [Narcissa]152-narcissa gave a little scream of despair and clutched at [her]152-narcissa long blonde hair . [Snape]156-snape stooped , seized [her]152-narcissa by the arms , lifted [her]152-narcissa up , and steered [her]152-narcissa back onto the sofa . [He]156-snape then poured [her]152-narcissa more wine and forced the glass into [her]152-narcissa hand . "[152-narcissa] [Narcissa]152-narcissa , that 's enough . Drink this . Listen to [me]0-i . " [She]152-narcissa quieted a little ; slopping wine down [herself]152-narcissa , [she]152-narcissa took a shaky sip . "[0-i] It might be possible ... for [me]0-i to help [Draco]170-malfoy . " [She]152-narcissa sat up , [her]152-narcissa face paper - white , [her]152-narcissa eyes huge . "[156-snape] [Severus]156-snape — oh , [Severus]156-snape — [you]156-snape would help [him]170-malfoy ? Would [you]156-snape look after [him]170-malfoy , see [he]170-malfoy comes to no harm ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i can try . " [She]152-narcissa flung away [her]152-narcissa glass ; it skidded across the table as [she]152-narcissa slid off the sofa into a kneeling position at [Snape]156-snape 's feet , seized [his]156-snape hand in both of [hers]152-narcissa , and pressed [her]152-narcissa lips to it . "[0-i] If [you]156-snape are there to protect [him]170-malfoy . . . [Severus]156-snape , will [you]156-snape swear it ? Will [you]156-snape make the Unbreakable Vow ? " "[156-snape] The Unbreakable Vow ? " [Snape]156-snape 's expression was blank , unreadable . [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix , however , let out a cackle of triumphant laughter . "[156-snape] Are n't [you]156-snape listening , [Narcissa]152-narcissa ? Oh , [he]170-malfoy 'll try , [I]0-i 'm sure . . . . The usual empty words , the usual slithering out of action . . . oh , on [the Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord 's orders , of course ! " [Snape]156-snape did not look at [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix . [His]156-snape black eyes were fixed upon [Narcissa]152-narcissa 's tear - filled blue ones as [she]157-bellatrix continued to clutch [his]156-snape hand . "[4469-the dark lord] Certainly , [Narcissa]152-narcissa , [I]0-i shall make the Unbreakable Vow , " [he]0-i said quietly . "[0-i] Perhaps [[your]152-narcissa sister]932-your sister will consent to be [[our]933-their Bonder]934-our bonder . " [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix 's mouth fell open . [Snape]156-snape lowered [himself]156-snape so that [he]156-snape was kneeling opposite [Narcissa]152-narcissa . Beneath [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix 's astonished gaze , [they]933-their grasped right hands . "[152-narcissa] [You]152-narcissa will need [your]152-narcissa wand , [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix , " said [Snape]156-snape coldly . [She]157-bellatrix drew it , still looking astonished . "[157-bellatrix] And [you]152-narcissa will need to move a little closer , " [he]156-snape said . [She]157-bellatrix stepped forward so that [she]157-bellatrix stood over [them]933-their , and placed the tip of [her]157-bellatrix wand on [their]933-their linked hands . [Narcissa]152-narcissa spoke . "[152-narcissa] Will [you]152-narcissa , [Severus]156-snape , watch over [[my]0-i son]912-my son , [Draco]170-malfoy , as [he]170-malfoy attempts to fulfill [the Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord 's wishes ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i will , " said [Snape]156-snape . A thin tongue of brilliant flame issued from the wand and wound its way around [their]933-their hands like a red - hot wire . "[0-i] And will [you]152-narcissa , to the best of [your]152-narcissa ability , protect [him]170-malfoy from harm ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i will , " said [Snape]156-snape . A second tongue of flame shot from the wand and interlinked with the first , making a fine , glowing chain . "[0-i] And , should it prove necessary ... if it seems [Draco]170-malfoy will fail . . . " whispered [Narcissa]152-narcissa ( [Snape]156-snape 's hand twitched within [hers]152-narcissa , but [he]156-snape did not draw away ) , "[152-narcissa] will [you]152-narcissa carry out the deed that [the Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord has ordered [Draco]170-malfoy to perform ? " There was a moment 's silence . [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix watched , [her]157-bellatrix wand upon [their]4545-their clasped hands , [her]157-bellatrix eyes wide . "[0-i] [I]0-i will , " said [Snape]156-snape . [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix 's astounded face glowed red in the blaze of a third unique of flame , which shot from the wand , twisted with the others , and bound itself thickly around [their]4545-their clasped hands , like a rope , like a fiery snake .[0-i] Chapter 3 : Will And Wo n't [Harry Potter]136-harry was snoring loudly . [He]136-harry had been sitting in a chair beside [his]136-harry bedroom window for the best part of four hours , staring out at [the darkening street]938-the darkening street , and had finally fallen asleep with one side of [his]136-harry face pressed against the cold windowpane , [his]136-harry glasses askew and [his]136-harry mouth wide open . The misty fug [his]136-harry breath had left on the window sparkled in the orange glare of the streetlamp outside , and the artificial light drained [his]136-harry face of all color , so that [he]136-harry looked ghostly beneath [his]136-harry shock of untidy black hair . [The room]685-the room was strewn with various possessions and a good smattering of rubbish . Owl feathers , apple cores , and sweet wrappers littered the floor , a number of spellbooks lay higgledy - piggledy among the tangled robes on [his]136-harry bed , and a mess of newspapers sat in a puddle of light on [his]136-harry desk . The headline of one blared : [HARRY POTTER]136-harry : [THE CHOSEN ONE]940-the chosen one ? Rumors continue to fly about the mysterious recent disturbance at [the Ministry of Magic]716-the ministry of magic , during which [He]136-harry [- Who - Must - Not - Be - Named]942-- who - must - not - be - named was sighted once more . " [We]4546-we 're not allowed to talk about it , do n't ask [me]171-one agitated obliviator , who refused to give his name as he left the ministry last night anything "[171-one agitated obliviator , who refused to give his name as he left the ministry last night] said [one agitated Obliviator , who refused to give [his]171-one agitated obliviator , who refused to give his name as he left the ministry last night name as [he]171-one agitated obliviator , who refused to give his name as he left the ministry last night left [the Ministry]4400-the ministry last night]171-one agitated obliviator , who refused to give his name as he left the ministry last night . Nevertheless , highly placed sources within [the Ministry]4400-the ministry have confirmed that the disturbance centered on [the fabled Hall of Prophecy]945-the fabled hall of prophecy . [Though Ministry spokes [wizards]713-wizards]946-though ministry spokes wizards have hitherto refused even to confirm the existence of [such a place]948-such a place , [a growing number of [the Wizarding community]814-the wizarding community]949-a growing number of the wizarding community believe that [the Death Eaters now serving sentences in [Azkaban]3-azkaban for trespass and attempted theft]951-the death eaters now serving sentences in azkaban for trespass and attempted theft were attempting to steal a prophecy . The nature of that prophecy is unknown , although speculation is rife that it concerns [Harry Potter]136-harry , [the only person ever known to have survived the Killing Curse , and who is also known to have been at [the Ministry]4400-the ministry on the night in question]952-the only person ever known to have survived the killing curse , and who is also known to have been at the ministry on the night in question . [Some]954-some are going so far as to call [Potter]136-harry " [the Chosen One]940-the chosen one , "[136-harry] believing that the prophecy names [him]136-harry as [the only one who will be able to rid [us]956-us of [He]136-harry - Who - Must - No t - Be - Named]955-the only one who will be able to rid us of he - who - must - no t - be - named . The current whereabouts of the prophecy , if it exists , are unknown , although ( ctd . page2 , column 5 ) A second newspaper lay beside die first . This one bore die headline : [SCRIMGEOUR SUCCEEDS FUDGE]172-scrimgeour succeeds fudge Most of this front page was taken up with a large black - and - white picture of [a man with a lionlike mane of thick hair and a rather ravaged face]957-a man with a lionlike mane of thick hair and a rather ravaged face . The picture was moving — [the man]874-the man was waving at the ceiling . [Rufus Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour , previously [Head of [the Auror office in [the Department of Magical Law Enforcement]4414-the department of magical law enforcement]960-the auror office in the department of magical law enforcement]959-head of the auror office in the department of magical law enforcement , has succeeded [Cornelius Fudge]139-fudge as [Minister of Magic]4433-minister of magic . The appointment has largely been greeted with enthusiasm by [the Wizarding community]814-the wizarding community , though rumors of a rift between [the new Minister]964-the new minister and [Albus Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , newly reinstated [Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot]965-chief warlock of the wizengamot , surfaced within hours of [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour taking office . [[Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour ’s representatives]966-scrimgeour ’s representatives admitted that [he]148-scrimgeour had met with [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore at once upon taking possession of the top job , but refused to comment on the topics under discussion . [Albus Dumbledore]146-dumbledore is known to ( ctd . page 3 , column 2 ) To the left of this paper sat another , which had been folded so that a story bearing the title ministry guarantees [students]967-students ' sapety was visible . [Newly appointed Minister of Magic]968-newly appointed minister of magic , [Rufus Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour , spoke today of the tough new measures taken by [[his]148-scrimgeour Ministry]969-his ministry to ensure the safety of [students]967-students returning to [Hogwarts School of Witchcraft]16-hogwarts school of witchcraft and Wizardry this autumn . " For obvious reasons , [the Ministry]17-the ministry will not be going into detail about [its]17-the ministry stringent new security plans , "[971-the minister] said [the Minister]971-the minister , although [an insider]972-an insider confirmed that measures include defensive spells and charms , a complex array of countercurses , and [a small task force of Aurors dedicated solely to the protection of [Hogwarts School]11-hogwarts school]973-a small task force of aurors dedicated solely to the protection of hogwarts school . [Most]974-most seem reassured by [the new Minister]964-the new minister 's tough stand on [student]976-student safety . Said [Mrs. Augusta Longbottom]173-mrs. augusta longbottom , " [[My]173-mrs. augusta longbottom grandson]4548-my grandson , [Neville]174-neville — [a good friend of [Harry Potter]136-harry 's]4549-a good friend of harry potter 's , incidentally , who fought the Death Eaters alongside [him]136-harry at the Ministry in [June]18-june and — But the rest of this story was obscured by the large birdcage .standing on top of it . Inside it was a magnificent snowy owl . [Her]4550-her amber eyes surveyed [the room]685-the room imperiously , [her]4550-her head swiveling occasionally to gaze at [[her]4550-her snoring master]4552-her snoring master . Once or twice [she]4550-her clicked [her]4550-her beak impatiently , but [Harry]136-harry was too deeply asleep to hear [her]4550-her . A large trunk stood in the very middle of [the room]685-the room . Its lid was open ; it looked expectant ; yet it was almost empty but for a residue of old underwear , sweets , empty ink bottles , and broken quills that coated the very bottom . Nearby , on the floor , lay a purple leaflet emblazoned with the words : ----ISSUED ON BEHALF OF---- [The Ministry of Magic PROTECTING [YOUR]4554-your HOME]19-the ministry of magic protecting your home AND FAMILY AGAINST [DARK FORCES]4555-dark forces [The Wizarding community]814-the wizarding community is currently under threat from [an organization calling [itself]4557-an organization calling itself the death eaters [the Death Eaters]4511-the death eaters]4557-an organization calling itself the death eaters . Observing the following simple security guidelines will help protect [you]4554-your , [[your]4554-your family]4559-your family , and [[your]4554-your home]4560-your home from attack . 1 . [You]4554-your are advised not to leave [the house]4472-the house alone . 2 . Particular care should be taken during the hours of darkness . Wherever possible , arrange to complete journeys before night has fallen . 3 . Review the security arrangements around [[your]4554-your house]4483-your house , making sure that [all family members]4563-all family members are aware of emergency measures such as Shield and Disillusionment Charms , and , in the case of [underage family members]4564-underage family members , Side - Along - Apparition . 4 . Agree on security questions with [close friends]4565-close friends and [family]4566-family so as to detect [Death Eaters]4567-death eaters masquerading as [others]4568-others by use of the Polyjuice Potion ( see page 2 ) . 5 . Should [you]4554-your feel that [a family member]4569-a family member , [colleague]4570-colleague , [friend]4571-friend , or [neighbor]4572-neighbor is acting in a strange manner , contact [the Magical Law Enforcement Squad]4573-the magical law enforcement squad at once . [They]4567-death eaters may have been put under the Imperius Curse ( see page 4 ) . 6 . Should the Dark Mark appear over [any dwelling place]4574-any dwelling place or [other building]4575-other building , DO NOT ENTER , but contact [the Auror office]4576-the auror office immediately . 7 . Unconfirmed sightings suggest that [the Death Eaters]4511-the death eaters may now be using Inferi ( see page 10 ) . Any sighting of [an Inferius , or encounter with same]4578-an inferius , or encounter with same , should be reported to the Ministry IMMEDIATELY . [Harry]136-harry grunted in [his]136-harry sleep and [his]136-harry face slid down the window an inch or so , making [his]136-harry glasses still more lopsided , but [he]136-harry did not wake up . An alarm clock , repaired by [Harry]136-harry several years ago , ticked loudly on the sill , showing one minute to eleven . Beside it , held in place by [Harry]136-harry 's relaxed hand , was a piece of parchment covered in thin , slanting writing . [Harry]136-harry had read this letter so often since its arrival three days ago that although it had been delivered in a tightly furled scroll , it now lay quite flat . [Dear Harry]136-harry , If it is convenient to [you]136-harry , [I]173-mrs. augusta longbottom shall call at number four , [Privet]176-privet Drive this coming Friday at eleven p.m. to escort [you]136-harry to [the Burrow]4579-the burrow , where [you]136-harry have been invited to spend the remainder of [your]136-harry school holidays . If [you]136-harry are agreeable , [I]173-mrs. augusta longbottom should also be glad of [your]136-harry assistance in a matter to which [I]173-mrs. augusta longbottom hope to attend on the way to [the . Burrow]25-the burrow . [I]173-mrs. augusta longbottom shall explain this more fully when [I]173-mrs. augusta longbottom see [you]136-harry . Kindly send [your]136-harry answer by return of this owl . Hoping to see [you]136-harry this Friday , [I]173-mrs. augusta longbottom am , [yours]136-harry most sincerely , [Albus Dumbledore]146-dumbledore Though [he]136-harry already knew it by heart , [Harry]136-harry had been stealing glances at this missive every few minutes since seven o'clock that evening , when [he]136-harry had first taken up [his]136-harry position beside [[his]136-harry bedroom]4481-his bedroom window , which had a reasonable view of both ends of [Privet Drive]21-privet drive . [He]136-harry knew it was pointless to keep rereading [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's words ; [Harry]136-harry had sent back [his]136-harry "[173-mrs. augusta longbottom] yes " with the delivering owl , as requested , and all [he]136-harry could do now was wait : Either [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was going to come , or [he]146-dumbledore was not . But [Harry]136-harry had not packed . It just seemed too good to be true that [he]136-harry was going to be rescued from [the Dursleys]177-the dursleys after a mere fortnight of [their]177-the dursleys company . [He]136-harry could not shrug off the feeling that something was going to go wrong — [his]136-harry reply to [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's letter might have gone astray ; [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore could be prevented from collecting [him]136-harry ; the letter might turn out not to be from [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore at all , but a trick or joke or trap . [Harry]136-harry had not been able to face packing and then being let down and having to unpack again . The only gesture [he]136-harry had made to the possibility of a journey was to shut [his]136-harry snowy owl , [Hedwig]178-hedwig , safely in [her]178-hedwig cage . The minute hand on the alarm clock reached the number twelve and , at that precise moment , the street - lamp outside the window went out . [Harry]136-harry awoke as though the sudden darkness were an alarm . Hastily straightening [his]136-harry glasses and unsticking [his]136-harry cheek from the glass , [he]136-harry pressed [his]136-harry nose against the window instead and squinted down at [the pavement]4581-the pavement . [A tall figure in a long , billowing cloak]4582-a tall figure in a long , billowing cloak was walking up [the garden path]4583-the garden path . [Harry]136-harry jumped up as though [he]136-harry had received an electric shock , knocked over [his]136-harry chair , and started snatching anything and everything within reach from the floor and throwing it into the trunk . Even as [he]136-harry lobbed a set of robes , two spellbooks , and a packet of crisps across [the room]685-the room , the doorbell rang . Downstairs in [the living room]4585-the living room [his]136-harry Uncle [Vernon]179-uncle vernon shouted , "[136-harry] Who the blazes is calling at this lime of night ? " [Harry]136-harry froze with a brass telescope in one hand and a pair of trainers in the other . [He]136-harry had completely forgotten to warn [the Dursleys]177-the dursleys that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore might be coming . Feeling both panicky mid close to laughter , [he]136-harry clambered over the trunk and wrenched open [his]136-harry bedroom door in time to hear a deep voice say , "[136-harry] Good evening . [You]977-you must be [Mr. Dursley]180-mr. dursley . [I]0-i daresay [Harry]136-harry has told [you]977-you [I]0-i would be coming for [him]180-mr. dursley ? " [Harry]136-harry ran down the stairs two at a time , coming to an abrupt halt several steps from the bottom , as long experience had taught [him]136-harry to remain out of arm 's reach of [[his]136-harry uncle]4586-his uncle whenever possible . There in the doorway stood [a tall , thin man with waist - length silver hair and beard]4587-a tall , thin man with waist - length silver hair and beard . Half - moon spectacles were perched on [his]4587-a tall , thin man with waist - length silver hair and beard crooked nose , and [he]4587-a tall , thin man with waist - length silver hair and beard was wearing a long black traveling cloak and .1 pointed hat . [Vernon Dursley]181-vernon dursley , whose mustache was quite as bushy as [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's , though black , and who was wearing a puce dressing gown , was staring at [the visitor]4588-the visitor as though [he]4587-a tall , thin man with waist - length silver hair and beard could not believe [his]4587-a tall , thin man with waist - length silver hair and beard tiny eyes . "[136-harry] Judging by [your]977-you look of stunned disbelief , [Harry]136-harry did not warn [you]977-you that [I]0-i was coming , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore pleasantly . "[136-harry] However , let [us]978-us assume that [you]977-you have invited [me]0-i warmly into [[your]977-you house]4483-your house . It is unwise to linger overlong on [doorsteps]980-doorsteps in these troubled times . " [He]0-i stepped smartly over the threshold and closed the front door behind [him]0-i . "[977-you] It is a long time since [my]0-i last visit , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , peering down [his]146-dumbledore crooked nose at [Uncle Vernon]179-uncle vernon . "[0-i] [I]0-i must say , [your]977-you agapanthus are flourishing . " [Vernon Dursley]181-vernon dursley said nothing at all . [Harry]136-harry did not doubt that speech would return to [him]146-dumbledore , and soon — the vein pulsing in [his]136-harry uncles temple was reaching danger point — but something about [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore seemed to have robbed [him]136-harry temporarily of breath . It might have been the blatant wizardishness of [his]146-dumbledore appearance , but it might , too , have been that even [Uncle Vernon]179-uncle vernon could sense that here was [a man whom it would be very difficult to bully]4589-a man whom it would be very difficult to bully . "[0-i] Ah , good evening [Harry]136-harry , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , looking up at [him]136-harry through [his]146-dumbledore half - moon glasses with a most satisfied expression . "[136-harry] Excellent , excellent . " These words seemed to rouse [Uncle Vernon]179-uncle vernon . It was clear that as far as [he]179-uncle vernon was concerned , [any man who could look at [Harry]136-harry and say "[136-harry] excellent "]4590-any man who could look at harry and say " excellent " was [a man with whom [he]179-uncle vernon could never see eye to eye]4591-a man with whom he could never see eye to eye . "[0-i] [I]0-i do n't mean to be rude — " [he]0-i began , in a tone that threatened rudeness in every syllable . "[0-i] --yet , sadly , accidental rudeness occurs alarmingly often , " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore finished the sentence gravely . "[0-i] Best to say nothing at all , [[my]0-i dear man]981-my dear man . Ah , and this must be [Petunia]182-aunt petunia . " The kitchen door had opened , and there stood [[Harry]136-harry 's aunt]4592-harry 's aunt , wearing rubber gloves and a housecoat over [her]4592-harry 's aunt nightdress , clearly halfway through [her]4592-harry 's aunt usual pre - bedtime wipe - down of all the [kitchen surfaces]4593-kitchen surfaces . [Her]4592-harry 's aunt rather horsey face registered nothing but shock . "[182-aunt petunia] [Albus Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , when [Uncle Vernon]179-uncle vernon failed to effect an introduction . "[146-dumbledore] [We]982-we have corresponded , of course . " [Harry]136-harry thought this an odd way of reminding [Aunt Petunia]182-aunt petunia that [he]179-uncle vernon had once sent [her]182-aunt petunia an exploding letter , but [Aunt Petunia]182-aunt petunia did not challenge the term . "[982-we] And this must be [[your]0-i son]983-your son , [Dudley]183-dudley ? " [Dudley]183-dudley had that moment peered round [the living room]4585-the living room door . [His]183-dudley large , blond head rising out of the stripy collar of [his]183-dudley pajamas looked oddly disembodied , [his]183-dudley mouth gaping in astonishment and [I]183-dudley car . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore waited a moment or two , apparently to see whether [any of [the Dursleys]177-the dursleys]4595-any of the dursleys were going to say anything , but as the ? .ilcncc stretched on [he]0-i smiled . "[183-dudley] Shall [we]982-we assume that [you]0-i have invited [me]0-i into [[your]0-i sitting room]984-your sitting room ? " [Dudley]183-dudley scrambled out of the way as [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore passed [him]183-dudley . [Harry]136-harry , still clutching the telescope and trainers , jumped the last few stairs and followed [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , who had settled [himself]146-dumbledore in the armchair nearest the fire and was taking in the surroundings with an expression of benign interest . [He]146-dumbledore looked quite extraordinarily out of place . "[0-i] Are n't — - are n't [we]982-we leaving , [sir]985-sir ? " [Harry]136-harry asked anxiously . "[982-we] Yes , indeed [we]982-we are , but there are a few matters [we]982-we need to discuss first , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[0-i] And [I]0-i would prefer not to do so in the open . [We]982-we shall trespass upon [[your]0-i aunt]986-your aunt and [uncle]987-uncle 's hospitality only a little longer . " "[0-i] [You]0-i will , will [you]0-i ? " [Vernon Dursley]181-vernon dursley had entered [the room]685-the room , [Petunia]182-aunt petunia at [his]146-dumbledore shoulder , and [Dudley]183-dudley skulking behind [them]982-we both . "[0-i] Yes , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore simply , "[0-i] [I]0-i shall . " [He]146-dumbledore drew [his]146-dumbledore wand so rapidly that [Harry]136-harry barely saw it ; with a casual flick , the sofa zoomed forward and knocked the knees out from under [all three of [the Dursleys]177-the dursleys]4597-all three of the dursleys so that [they]4597-all three of the dursleys collapsed upon it in a heap . Another flick of the wand and the sofa zoomed back to its original position . "[982-we] [We]982-we may as well be comfortable , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore pleasantly . As [he]146-dumbledore replaced [his]146-dumbledore wand in [his]146-dumbledore pocket , [Harry]136-harry saw that [his]136-harry hand was blackened and shriveled ; it looked as though [his]136-harry flesh had been burned away . "[985-sir] [Sir]985-sir — what happened to [your]985-sir — ? " "[136-harry] Later , [Harry]136-harry , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[136-harry] Please sit down . " [Harry]136-harry took the remaining armchair , choosing not to look at [the Dursleys]177-the dursleys , who seemed stunned into silence . "[136-harry] [I]0-i would assume that [you]136-harry were going to offer [me]0-i refreshment , " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore said to [Uncle Vernon]179-uncle vernon , "[136-harry] but the evidence so far suggests that that would be optimistic to the point of foolishness . " A third twitch of the wand , and a dusty bottle and five glasses appeared in midair . The bottle tipped and poured a generous measure of honey - colored liquid into each of the glasses , which then floated to [each person]4598-each person in [the room]685-the room . "[184-rosmerta] [Madam Rosmerta]184-rosmerta ’s finest oak - matured mead , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , raising [his]146-dumbledore glass to [Harry]136-harry , who caught hold of [his]136-harry own and sipped . [He]136-harry had never tasted anything like it before , but enjoyed it immensely . [The Dursleys]177-the dursleys , after quick , scared looks at [one another]4600-one another , tried to ignore [their]177-the dursleys glasses completely , a difficult feat , as [they]177-the dursleys were nudging [them]177-the dursleys gently on the sides of [their]177-the dursleys heads . [Harry]136-harry could not suppress a suspicion that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was rather enjoying [himself]146-dumbledore . "[184-rosmerta] Well , [Harry]136-harry , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , turning toward [him]136-harry , "[136-harry] a difficulty has arisen which [I]0-i hope [you]136-harry will be able to solve for [us]989-us . By [us]989-us , [I]0-i mean the Order of [the Phoenix]166-the phoenix . But first of all [I]0-i must tell [you]136-harry that [Sirius]144-sirius 's will was discovered a week ago and that [he]144-sirius left [you]136-harry everything [he]144-sirius owned . " Over on the sofa , [Uncle Vernon]179-uncle vernon ’s head turned , but [Harry]136-harry did not look at [him]179-uncle vernon , nor could [he]136-harry think of anything to say except , "[144-sirius] Oh . Right . " "[144-sirius] This is , in the main , fairly straightforward , " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore went on . "[136-harry] [You]136-harry add a reasonable amount of gold to [your]136-harry account at [Gringotts]22-gringotts , and [you]136-harry inherit all of [Sirius]144-sirius 's personal possessions . The slightly problematic part of the legacy — " "[144-sirius] [[His]144-sirius godfather]990-his godfather 's dead ? " said [Uncle Vernon]179-uncle vernon loudly from the sofa . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore and [Harry]136-harry both turned to look at [him]179-uncle vernon . The glass of mead was now knocking quite insistently on the side of [Vernon]179-uncle vernon ’s head ; [he]136-harry attempted to beat it away . "[144-sirius] [He]144-sirius 's dead ? [[His]144-sirius godfather]990-his godfather ? " "[990-his godfather] Yes , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . [He]146-dumbledore did not ask [Harry]136-harry why [he]136-harry had not confided in [the Dursleys]177-the dursleys . "[990-his godfather] [Our]992-our problem , " [he]146-dumbledore continued to [Harry]136-harry , as if there had been no interruption , "[990-his godfather] is that [Sirius]144-sirius also left [you]993-you number twelve , [Grimmauld Place]23-grimmauld place . " "[144-sirius] [He]144-sirius 's been left [a house]994-a house ? " said [Uncle Vernon]179-uncle vernon greedily , [his]179-uncle vernon small eyes narrowing , but [nobody]687-nobody answered [him]179-uncle vernon . "[144-sirius] [You]995-you can keep using [it]994-a house as [headquarters]996-headquarters , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[0-i] [I]0-i do n't care . [You]995-you can have it , [I]0-i do n't really want it . " [Harry]136-harry never wanted to set foot in number twelve , [Grimmauld Place]23-grimmauld place again if [he]136-harry could help it . [He]136-harry thought [he]136-harry would be haunted forever by the memory of [Sirius]144-sirius prowling [[its]144-sirius dark musty rooms]4602-its dark musty rooms alone , imprisoned within [the place [he]136-harry had wanted so desperately to leave]4603-the place he had wanted so desperately to leave . "[0-i] That is generous , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[0-i] [We]997-we have , however , vacated [the building]998-the building temporarily . " "[997-we] Why ? " "[997-we] Well , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , ignoring the mutterings of [Uncle Vernon]179-uncle vernon , who was now being rapped smartly over the head by the persistent glass of mead , "[144-sirius] [Black]144-sirius family tradition decreed that [the house]4472-the house was handed down the direct line , to [the next male with the name of ' [Black]144-sirius]1000-the next male with the name of ' black . ' [Sirius]144-sirius was the very last of the line as [[his]144-sirius younger brother]1001-his younger brother , [Regulus]185-regulus , predeceased [him]144-sirius and both were childless . While [his]144-sirius will makes it perfectly plain that [he]144-sirius wants [you]1002-you to have [the house]4472-the house , it is nevertheless possible that some spell or enchantment has been set upon [the place]4424-the place to ensure that [it]4424-the place can not be owned by [anyone other than a pureblood]1005-anyone other than a pureblood . " A vivid image of the shrieking , spitting portrait of [[Sirius]144-sirius 's mother]4604-sirius 's mother that hung in [the hall of number twelve]4605-the hall of number twelve , [Grimmauld Place]23-grimmauld place flashed into [Harry]136-harry 's mind . "[0-i] [I]0-i bet there has , " [he]136-harry said . "[0-i] Quite , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[0-i] And if such an enchantment exists , then the ownership of [the house]4472-the house is most likely to pass to [the eldest of [[Sirius]144-sirius 's living relatives]1008-sirius 's living relatives]1007-the eldest of sirius 's living relatives , which would mean [[his]144-sirius cousin]1009-his cousin , [Bellatrix Lestrange]157-bellatrix . " Without realizing what [he]136-harry was doing , [Harry]136-harry sprang to [his]136-harry feet ; the telescope and trainers in [his]136-harry lap rolled across the floor . [Bellatrix Lestrange]157-bellatrix , [[Sirius]144-sirius 's killer]4606-sirius 's killer , inherit [[his]136-harry house]4607-his house ? "[1009-his cousin] No , " [he]136-harry said . "[1009-his cousin] Well , obviously [we]1010-we would prefer that [she]157-bellatrix did n't get it either , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore calmly . "[157-bellatrix] The situation is fraught with complications . [We]1010-we do not know whether the enchantments [we]1010-we [ourselves]1010-we have placed upon it , for example , making it Unplottable , will hold now that ownership has passed from [Sirius]144-sirius 's hands . It might be that [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix will arrive on the doorstep at any moment . Naturally [we]1010-we had to move out until such time as [we]1010-we have clarified the position , " "[1011-you] But how are [you]1011-you going to find out if [I]0-i 'm allowed to own [it]1012-it ? " "[1011-you] Fortunately , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , "[1011-you] there is a simple test . " [He]146-dumbledore placed [his]146-dumbledore empty glass on a small table beside [his]146-dumbledore chair , but before [he]146-dumbledore could do anything else , [Uncle Vernon]179-uncle vernon shouted , "[1011-you] Will [you]1011-you get these ruddy things off [us]1010-we ? " [Harry]136-harry looked around ; [all three of [the Dursleys]177-the dursleys]4597-all three of the dursleys were cowering with [their]4597-all three of the dursleys arms over [their]4597-all three of the dursleys heads as [their]4597-all three of the dursleys glasses bounced up and down on [their]4597-all three of the dursleys skulls , their contents flying everywhere . "[1011-you] Oh , [I]0-i 'm so sorry , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore politely , and [he]146-dumbledore raised [his]146-dumbledore wand again . -All three glasses vanished . "[1011-you] But it would have been better manners to drink it , [you]1011-you know . " [It]4609-it looked as though [Uncle Vernon]179-uncle vernon was bursting with any number of unpleasant retorts , but [he]179-uncle vernon merely shrank back into the cushions with [Aunt Petunia]182-aunt petunia and [Dudley]183-dudley and said nothing , keeping [his]179-uncle vernon small piggy eyes on [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's wand . "[1011-you] [You]1011-you see , " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore said , turning back to [Harry]136-harry and again speaking as though [Uncle Vernon]179-uncle vernon had not uttered , "[1011-you] if [you]1011-you have indeed inherited [the house]4472-the house , [you]1011-you have also inherited — " [He]146-dumbledore flicked [his]146-dumbledore wand for a fifth time . There was a loud crack , and [a house - elf]4610-a house - elf appeared , with a snout for a nose , giant bat 's ears , and enormous bloodshot eyes , crouching on the Dursleys ' shag carpet and covered in grimy rags . [Aunt Petunia]182-aunt petunia let out a hair - raising shriek ; nothing this filthy had entered [[her]182-aunt petunia house]4611-her house in living memory . [Dudley]183-dudley drew [his]183-dudley large , bare , pink feet off the floor and sat with them raised almost above [his]183-dudley head , as though [he]183-dudley thought the creature might run up [his]183-dudley pajama trousers , and [Uncle Vernon]179-uncle vernon bellowed , "[1011-you] What the hell is that ? " "[1011-you] [Kreacher]186-kreacher , " finished [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[186-kreacher] [Kreacher]186-kreacher wo nt , [Kreacher]186-kreacher wo n't , [Kreacher]186-kreacher wo nt ! " croaked [the house - elf]4612-the house - elf , quite as loudly as [Uncle Vernon]179-uncle vernon , stamping [his]4612-the house - elf long , gnarled feet and pulling [his]4612-the house - elf ears . "[187-k readier] [K readier]187-k readier belongs to [Miss Bellatrix]188-miss bellatrix , oh yes , [Kreacher]186-kreacher belongs to [the Blacks]1014-the blacks , [Kreacher]186-kreacher wants [[his]186-kreacher new mistress]1015-his new mistress , [Kreacher]186-kreacher wo n't go to [the Potter brat]1016-the potter brat , [Kreacher]186-kreacher wo n't , wo n't , wo nt — " "[136-harry] As [you]1017-you can see , [Harry]136-harry , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore loudly , over [Kreacher]186-kreacher 's continued croaks of "[136-harry] wo nt , wo n't , wo n't , " "[136-harry] [Kreacher]186-kreacher is showing a certain reluctance to pass into [your]1017-you ownership . " "[186-kreacher] [I]0-i do n't care , " said [Harry]136-harry again , looking with disgust at [the writhing , stamping house - elf]4613-the writhing , stamping house - elf . "[0-i] [I]0-i do n't want [him]186-kreacher . " "[0-i] Wo n't , wo n’t , wo n't , wo n't — " "[0-i] [You]1017-you would prefer [him]186-kreacher to pass into the ownership of [Bellatrix Lestrange]157-bellatrix ? Bearing in mind that [he]186-kreacher has lived at [the headquarters of [the Order of the Phoenix]4525-the order of the phoenix]1018-the headquarters of the order of the phoenix for the past year ? " "[0-i] Wo n't , wo n't , wo n’t , wo n't — " [Harry]136-harry stared at [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . [He]136-harry knew that [Kreacher]186-kreacher could not be permitted to go and live with [Bellatrix Lestrange]157-bellatrix , but the idea of owning [him]186-kreacher , of having responsibility for the creature that had betrayed [Sirius]144-sirius , was repugnant . "[0-i] Give [him]186-kreacher an order , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[0-i] If [he]186-kreacher has passed into [your]1017-you ownership , [he]186-kreacher will have to obey . If not , then [we]1020-we shall have to think of some other means of keeping [him]186-kreacher from [[his]186-kreacher rightful mistress]1021-his rightful mistress . " "[0-i] Wo n't , wo n't , wo n’t , WON'T ! " [Kreacher]186-kreacher 's voice had risen to a scream . [Harry]136-harry could think of nothing to say , except , "[186-kreacher] [Kreacher]186-kreacher , shut up ! " It looked for a moment as though [Kreacher]186-kreacher was going to choke . [He]186-kreacher grabbed [his]186-kreacher throat , [his]186-kreacher mouth still working furiously , [his]186-kreacher eyes bulging . After a few seconds of frantic gulping , [he]186-kreacher threw [himself]186-kreacher face forward onto the carpet ( [Aunt Petunia]182-aunt petunia whimpered ) and beat the floor with [his]186-kreacher hands and feet , giving [himself]186-kreacher over to a violent , but entirely silent , tantrum . "[186-kreacher] Well , that simplifies matters , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore cheerfully . "[186-kreacher] It seems that [Sirius]144-sirius knew what [he]144-sirius was doing . [You]1022-you are [the rightful owner of number twelve , [Grimmauld Place]23-grimmauld place and of [Kreacher]186-kreacher]1023-the rightful owner of number twelve , grimmauld place and of kreacher . " "[1022-you] Do [I]0-i — do [I]0-i have to keep [him]186-kreacher with [me]0-i ? " [Harry]136-harry asked , aghast , [us]4614-us [Kreacher]186-kreacher thrashed around at [his]186-kreacher feet . "[1022-you] Not if [you]0-i do n't want to , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[0-i] If [I]0-i might make ii suggestion , [you]0-i could send [him]186-kreacher to [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts to work in [the kitchen there]1024-the kitchen there . In that way , [the other house - elves]1025-the other house - elves could keep an eye on [him]186-kreacher . " "[1025-the other house - elves] Yeah , " said [Harry]136-harry in relief , "[1025-the other house - elves] yeah , [I]0-i 'll do that . Er — [Kreacher]186-kreacher — [I]0-i want [you]186-kreacher to go to [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts and work in [the kitchens]1026-the kitchens [there]4506-there with [the other house - elves]1025-the other house - elves . " [Kreacher]186-kreacher , who was now lying flat on [his]186-kreacher back with [his]186-kreacher arms and legs in the air , gave [Harry]136-harry one upside - down look of deepest loathing and , with another loud crack , vanished . "[0-i] Good , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[0-i] There is also the matter of [the hip - pogriff]1029-the hip - pogriff , [Buckbeak]189-buckbeak . [Hagrid]190-hagrid has been looking after [him]189-buckbeak since [Sirius]144-sirius died , but [Buckbeak]189-buckbeak is [yours]1030-yours now , so if [you]1030-yours would prefer to make different arrangements — " "[1030-yours] No , " said [Harry]136-harry at once , "[1030-yours] [he]189-buckbeak can stay with [Hagrid]190-hagrid . [I]0-i think [Buckbeak]189-buckbeak would prefer that . " "[189-buckbeak] [Hagrid]190-hagrid will be delighted , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , smiling . "[190-hagrid] [He]190-hagrid was thrilled to see [Buckbeak]189-buckbeak again . Incidentally , [we]1031-we have decided , in the interests of [Buckbeak]189-buckbeak 's safety , to rechristen [him]189-buckbeak ' Witherwings ' for the time being , though [I]0-i doubt that [the Ministry]4400-the ministry would ever guess [he]189-buckbeak is [the hippogriff [they]4400-the ministry once sentenced to death]1033-the hippogriff they once sentenced to death . Now , [Harry]136-harry , is [your]136-harry trunk packed ? " Erm . .. "[136-harry] Doubtful that [I]0-i would turn up ? " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore suggested shrewdly . "[0-i] [I]0-i 'll just go and — er — finish off , " said [Harry]136-harry hastily , hurrying to pick up [his]136-harry fallen telescope and trainers . It took [him]136-harry a little over ten minutes to track down everything [he]136-harry needed ; at last [he]136-harry had managed to extract [his]136-harry Invisibility Cloak from under the bed , screwed the top back on [his]136-harry jar of color - change ink , and forced the lid of [his]136-harry trunk shut on [his]136-harry cauldron . Then , heaving [his]136-harry trunk in one hand and holding [Hedwig]178-hedwig 's cage in the other , [he]136-harry made [his]136-harry way back [downstairs]4615-downstairs , [He]136-harry was disappointed to discover that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was not waiting in [the hall]4616-the hall , which meant that [he]136-harry had to return to [the living room]4585-the living room . [Nobody]687-nobody was talking . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was humming quietly , apparently quite at [his]146-dumbledore ease , but the atmosphere was thicker than cold custard , and [Harry]136-harry did not dare look at [the Dursleys]177-the dursleys as [he]136-harry said , "[146-dumbledore] [Professor]146-dumbledore — [I]0-i 'm ready now . " "[0-i] Good , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[0-i] Just one last thing , then . " And [he]146-dumbledore turned to speak to [the Dursleys]177-the dursleys once more . "[0-i] As [you]146-dumbledore will no doubt be aware , [Harry]136-harry comes of age in a years time — " "[136-harry] No , " said [Aunt Petunia]182-aunt petunia , speaking for the first time since [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's arrival . "[136-harry] [I]0-i 'm sorry ? " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore politely . "[0-i] No , [he]136-harry does n't . [He]136-harry 's a month younger than [Dudley]183-dudley , and [Dudders]191-dudders does n't turn eighteen until the year after next . " "[191-dudders] Ah , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore pleasantly , "[191-dudders] but in [the Wizarding world]1034-the wizarding world , [we]1035-we come of age at seventeen . " [Uncle Vernon]179-uncle vernon muttered , "[191-dudders] Preposterous , " but [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ignored [him]146-dumbledore , "[191-dudders] Now , as [you]146-dumbledore already know , [the wizard called [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort Was returned to [this country]1037-this country]1036-the wizard called lord voldemort was returned to this country . [The Wizarding community]814-the wizarding community is currently in a state of open warfare . [Harry]136-harry , whom [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort has already attempted to kill on a number of occasions , is in even greater danger now than the day when [I]0-i left [him]136-harry upon [your]146-dumbledore doorstep fifteen years ago , with a letter explaining about [[his]136-harry parents]1039-his parents ' murder and expressing the hope that [you]146-dumbledore would care for [him]136-harry ; is though [he]136-harry were [your]146-dumbledore own . " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore paused , and although [his]146-dumbledore voice remained light and calm , and [he]146-dumbledore gave no obvious sign of anger , [Harry]136-harry felt a kind of chill emanating from [him]136-harry and noticed that [the Dursleys]177-the dursleys drew very slightly closer together . "[146-dumbledore] [You]146-dumbledore did not do as [I]0-i asked . [You]146-dumbledore have never treated [Harry]136-harry as [a son]1040-a son . [He]136-harry has known nothing but neglect and often cruelty at [your]146-dumbledore hands . The best that can be said is that [he]136-harry has at least escaped the appalling damage [you]146-dumbledore have inflicted upon [the unfortunate boy sitting between [you]146-dumbledore]1041-the unfortunate boy sitting between you . " Both [Aunt Petunia]182-aunt petunia and [Uncle Vernon]179-uncle vernon looked around instinctively , as though expecting to see [someone other than [Dudley]183-dudley]4619-someone other than dudley squeezed between [them]1042-them . "[1042-them] [Us]1042-them — mistreat [Dudders]191-dudders ? What d'you — ? " began [Uncle Vernon]179-uncle vernon furiously , but [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore raised [his]146-dumbledore ringer for silence , a silence which fell as though [he]146-dumbledore had struck [Uncle Vernon]179-uncle vernon dumb . "[1042-them] The magic [I]0-i evoked fifteen years ago means that [Harry]136-harry has powerful protection while [he]136-harry can still call [this house]1043-this house ' [home]1044-home . ' However miserable [he]136-harry has been [here]4439-here , however unwelcome , however badly treated , [you]146-dumbledore have at least , grudgingly , allowed [him]136-harry [houseroom]1046-houseroom . This magic will cease to operate the moment that [Harry]136-harry turns seventeen ; in other words , at the moment [he]136-harry becomes [a man]4389-a man . [I]0-i ask only this : that [you]146-dumbledore allow [Harry]136-harry to return , once more , to [this house]1043-this house , before [his]136-harry seventeenth birthday , which will ensure that the protection continues until that time . " [None of [the Dursleys]177-the dursleys]4620-none of the dursleys said anything . [Dudley]183-dudley was frowning slightly , as though [he]183-dudley was still trying to work out when [he]183-dudley had ever been mistreated . [Uncle Vernon]179-uncle vernon looked as though [he]179-uncle vernon had something stuck in [his]179-uncle vernon throat ; [Aunt Petunia]182-aunt petunia , however , was oddly flushed . "[136-harry] Well , [Harry]136-harry . . . time for [us]1049-us to be off , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore at last , standing up and straightening [his]146-dumbledore long black cloak . "[136-harry] Until [we]1049-us meet again , " [he]146-dumbledore said to [the Dursleys]177-the dursleys , who looked as though that moment could wait forever as far as [they]177-the dursleys were concerned , and after doffing [his]146-dumbledore hat , [he]146-dumbledore swept from [the room]685-the room . "[136-harry] Bye , " said [Harry]136-harry hastily to [the Dursleys]177-the dursleys , and followed [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , who paused beside [Harry]136-harry 's trunk , upon which [Hedwig]178-hedwig 's cage was perched . "[136-harry] [We]1049-us do not want to be encumbered by these just now , " [he]0-i said , pulling out [his]0-i wand again . "[0-i] [I]0-i shall send [them]1050-them to [the Burrow]25-the burrow to await [us]1049-us [there]4506-there . However , [I]0-i would like [you]1052-you to bring [your]1052-you Invisibility Cloak . . . just in case . " [Harry]136-harry extracted [his]136-harry cloak from [his]136-harry trunk with some difficulty , trying not to show [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore the mess within . When [he]136-harry had stuffed it into an inside pocket of [his]136-harry jacket , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore waved [his]146-dumbledore wand and the trunk , cage , and [Hedwig]178-hedwig vanished . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore then waved [his]146-dumbledore wand again , and the front door opened onto cool , misty darkness . "[0-i] And now , [Harry]136-harry , let [us]1049-us step out into the night and pursue [that flighty temptress]1053-that flighty temptress , adventure . "[1053-that flighty temptress] Chapter 4 : [Horace Slughorn]193-slughorn Despite the fact that [he]136-harry had spent every waking moment of the past few days hoping desperately that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore would indeed come to fetch [him]136-harry , [Harry]136-harry felt distinctly awkward as 11 u - y set off down [Privet Drive]21-privet drive together . [He]136-harry had never had a proper conversation with [the headmaster]1054-the headmaster outside of [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts before ; there was usually a desk between [them]1055-them . The memory of [their]1055-them last face - to - face encounter kept intruding too , and it rather heightened [Harry]136-harry 's sense of embarrassment ; [he]136-harry had shouted a lot on that occasion , not to mention done [his]136-harry best to smash several of [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's most prized possessions . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , however , seemed completely relaxed . " Keep [your]136-harry wand at the ready , [Harry]136-harry , "[146-dumbledore] [he]146-dumbledore said brightly . " But [I]146-dumbledore thought [I]146-dumbledore 'm not allowed to use magic outside [school]4622-school , [sir]985-sir ? "[146-dumbledore] " If there is an attack , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , " [I]146-dumbledore give [you]136-harry permission to use any counterjinx or curse that might occur to [you]136-harry . However , [I]146-dumbledore do not think [you]136-harry need worry about being attacked tonight . "[146-dumbledore] " Why not , [sir]985-sir ? "[146-dumbledore] " [You]136-harry are with [me]146-dumbledore , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore simply . " This will do , [Harry]136-harry . "[146-dumbledore] [He]146-dumbledore came to an abrupt halt at the end of [Privet Drive]21-privet drive . " [You]136-harry have not , of course , passed [your]136-harry Apparition Test , "[146-dumbledore] [he]146-dumbledore said . " No , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [I]136-harry thought [you]146-dumbledore had to be seventeen ? "[136-harry] " [You]136-harry do , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " So [you]136-harry will need to hold on to [my]136-harry arm very tightly . [My]136-harry left , if [you]136-harry do n't mind — as [you]136-harry have noticed , [my]136-harry wand arm is a little fragile at the moment . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry gripped [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ’s proffered forearm . " Very good , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " Well , here [we]4625-we go . "[146-dumbledore] [Harry]136-harry felt [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ’s arm twist away from [him]136-harry and redoubled [his]136-harry grip ; the next thing [he]136-harry knew , everything went black ; [he]136-harry was being pressed very hard from all directions ; [he]136-harry could not breathe , there were iron bands tightening around [his]136-harry chest ; [his]136-harry eyeballs were being forced back into [his]136-harry head ; [his]136-harry eardrums were being pushed deeper into [his]136-harry skull and then — - [He]136-harry gulped great lungfuls of cold night air and opened [his]136-harry streaming eyes . [He]136-harry felt as though [he]136-harry had just been forced through a very tight rubber tube . It was a few seconds before [he]136-harry realized that [Privet Drive]21-privet drive had vanished . [He]136-harry and [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore were now standing in what appeared to be [a deserted village square]1056-a deserted village square , in the center of which stood [an old war memorial]1057-an old war memorial and [a few benches]1058-a few benches . [His]136-harry comprehension catching up with [his]136-harry senses , [Harry]136-harry realized that [he]136-harry had just Apparated for the first time in [his]136-harry life . " Are [you]136-harry all right ? "[146-dumbledore] asked [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , looking down at [him]136-harry solicitously . " The sensation does take some getting used to . "[146-dumbledore] " [I]136-harry 'm fine , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , rubbing [his]136-harry ears , which felt as though [they]1059-they had left [Privet Drive]21-privet drive rather reluctantly . " But [I]136-harry think [I]136-harry might prefer brooms . . . . "[136-harry] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore smiled , drew [his]146-dumbledore traveling cloak a little more lightly around [his]146-dumbledore neck , and said , " This way . "[146-dumbledore] [He]146-dumbledore set off at a brisk pace , past [an empty inn]1060-an empty inn and [a few houses]1061-a few houses . According to a clock on [a nearby church]1062-a nearby church , it was almost midnight . " So tell [me]146-dumbledore , [Harry]136-harry , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [Your]136-harry scar ... has it been hurting at all ? "[146-dumbledore] [Harry]136-harry raised a hand unconsciously to [his]136-harry forehead and rubbed [i]0-i [he]0-i lightning - shaped mark . " No , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said , " and [I]136-harry 've been wondering about that . [I]136-harry thought it would be burning all the time now [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's getting so powerful again . "[136-harry] [He]136-harry glanced up at [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore and saw that [he]146-dumbledore was wearing a satisfied expression . " [I]146-dumbledore , on the other hand , thought otherwise , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort has finally realized the dangerous access to [his]192-voldemort thoughts and feelings [you]136-harry have been enjoying . It appears that [he]192-voldemort is now employing Occlumency against [you]136-harry . "[146-dumbledore] " Well , [I]136-harry 'm not complaining , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , who missed neither the disturbing dreams nor the startling flashes of insight into [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's mind . [They]1063-we turned a corner , passing a telephone box and [a bus shelter]1064-a bus shelter . [Harry]136-harry looked sideways at [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore again . " [Professor]4626-professor ? "[136-harry] " [Harry]136-harry ? "[146-dumbledore] " Er — where exactly are [we]1063-we ? "[146-dumbledore] " This , [Harry]136-harry , is [the charming village of [Budleigh Babberton]26-budleigh babberton]4627-the charming village of budleigh babberton . "[136-harry] " And what are [we]1063-we doing here ? "[146-dumbledore] " Ah yes , of course , [I]146-dumbledore have n't told [you]136-harry , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " Well , [I]146-dumbledore have lost count of the number of times [I]146-dumbledore have said this in recent years , but [we]1063-we are , once again , [one member of staff]4628-one member of staff short . [We]1063-we are here to persuade [an old colleague of mine]4629-an old colleague of mine to come out of retirement and return to [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts . "[146-dumbledore] " How can [I]146-dumbledore help with that , [sir]985-sir ? "[146-dumbledore] | " Oh , [I]146-dumbledore think [we]1063-we 'll find a use for [you]136-harry , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore vaguely . " Left [here]4439-here , [Harry]136-harry . "[146-dumbledore] [They]1065-they proceeded up [a steep , narrow street lined with houses]1066-a steep , narrow street lined with houses . All the windows were dark . The odd chill that had lain over [Privet Drive]21-privet drive for two weeks persisted [here]4439-here too . Thinking of [dementors]4423-dementors , [Harry]136-harry cast a look over [his]136-harry shoulder and grasped [his]136-harry wand reassuringly in [his]136-harry pocket . " [Professor]4626-professor , why could n't [we]1063-we just Apparate directly into [[[your]136-harry old colleague]4633-your old colleague 's house]4634-your old colleague 's house ? "[136-harry] " Because it would be quite as rude as kicking down the front door , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " Courtesy dictates that [we]1063-we offer [fellow wizards]4635-fellow wizards the opportunity of denying [us]1063-we entry . In any case , [most Wizarding dwellings]4636-most wizarding dwellings are magically protected from [unwanted Apparators]4637-unwanted apparators . At [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , for instance — "[146-dumbledore] " — [you]146-dumbledore ca n't Apparate anywhere inside [the buildings]4638-the buildings or [grounds]4639-grounds , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry quickly . " [Hermione Granger]194-hermione told [me]136-harry . "[136-harry] " And [she]194-hermione is quite right . [We]1069-we turn left again . "[146-dumbledore] The church clock chimed midnight behind [them]1069-we . [Harry]136-harry wondered why [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore did not consider it rude to call on [[his]146-dumbledore old colleague]1070-his old colleague so late , but now that conversation had been established , [he]136-harry had more pressing questions to ask . " [Sir]985-sir , [I]136-harry saw in [the Daily Prophet]27-the daily prophet that [Fudge]139-fudge has been sacked . . . . "[136-harry] " Correct , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , now turning up [a steep side street]1071-a steep side street . " [He]139-fudge has been replaced , as [I]146-dumbledore am sure [you]136-harry also saw , by [Rufus Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour , who used to be [Head of [the Auror office]4576-the auror office]4641-head of the auror office . "[146-dumbledore] " Is [he]139-fudge ... Do [you]146-dumbledore think [he]139-fudge 's good ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry . " An interesting question , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [He]139-fudge is able , certainly . A more decisive and forceful personality than [Cornelius]139-fudge . "[146-dumbledore] " Yes , but [I]146-dumbledore meant — "[146-dumbledore] " [I]136-harry know what [you]146-dumbledore meant . [Rufus]148-scrimgeour is [a man of action]4643-a man of action and , having fought [Dark wizards]4644-dark wizards for most of [his]148-scrimgeour working life , does not under - estimate [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry waited , but [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore did not say anything about the disagreement with [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour that [the Daily Prophet]1072-the daily prophet had reported , and [he]146-dumbledore did not have the nerve to pursue the subject , so [he]146-dumbledore changed ii . " And ... sir ... [I]146-dumbledore saw about [Madam Bones]195-madam bones . "[146-dumbledore] " Yes , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore quietly . " A terrible loss . [She]195-madam bones was [a great witch]4645-a great witch . Just up here , [I]146-dumbledore think — ouch . "[146-dumbledore] [He]146-dumbledore had pointed with [his]146-dumbledore injured hand . " [Professor]4626-professor , what happened to [your]4626-professor — ? "[146-dumbledore] " [I]146-dumbledore have no time to explain now , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " It is a thrilling tale , [I]146-dumbledore wish to do it justice . "[146-dumbledore] [He]146-dumbledore smiled at [Harry]136-harry , who understood that [he]136-harry was not being snubbed , and that [he]136-harry had permission to keep asking questions . " [Sir]985-sir — [I]136-harry got a Ministry of Magic leaflet by owl , about security measures [we]4648-we should all take against [the Death Eaters]4511-the death eaters . . . . "[136-harry] " Yes , [I]146-dumbledore received one [myself]146-dumbledore , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , still smiling . " Did [you]136-harry find it useful ? "[146-dumbledore] " Not really . "[136-harry] " No , [I]136-harry thought not . [You]985-sir have not asked [me]136-harry , for instance , what is [my]136-harry favorite flavor of jam , to check that [I]136-harry am indeed [Professor Dumbledore]146-dumbledore and not [an impostor]4650-an impostor . "[136-harry] " [I]136-harry did n't . . . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry began , not entirely sure whether [he]136-harry was being reprimanded or not . " For future reference , [Harry]136-harry , it is raspberry . . . although of course , if [I]136-harry were [a Death Eater]4651-a death eater , [I]136-harry would have been sure to research [my]136-harry own jam preferences before impersonating [myself]136-harry . "[136-harry] " Er . . . right , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Well , on that leaflet , it said something about [Inferi]196-inferi . What exactly are [they]196-inferi ? The leaflet was n't very clear . "[136-harry] " [They]196-inferi are corpses , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore calmly . " Dead bodies that have been bewitched to do [a Dark wizard]4652-a dark wizard 's bidding . [Inferi]196-inferi have not been seen for a long time , however , not since [Voldemort]192-voldemort was last powerful . . . . [He]192-voldemort killed [enough people]4653-enough people to make [an army of [them]4653-enough people]4654-an army of them , of course . This is [the place]4424-the place , [Harry]136-harry , just here . . . . "[146-dumbledore] [They]1073-they were nearing [a small , neat stone house set in [its]1074-a small , neat stone house set in its own garden own garden]1074-a small , neat stone house set in its own garden . [Harry]136-harry was too busy digesting the horrible idea of [Inferi]196-inferi to have much attention left for anything else , but as [they]1073-they reached the front gate , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore stopped dead and [Harry]136-harry walked into [him]146-dumbledore . " Oh dear . Oh dear , [dear]4656-dear , [dear]4656-dear . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry followed [his]136-harry gaze up [the carefully tended front path]1075-the carefully tended front path and felt [his]136-harry heart sink . The front door was hanging off its hinges . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore glanced up and down [the street]1076-the street . [It]1076-the street seemed quite deserted . " Wand out and follow [me]146-dumbledore , [Harry]136-harry , "[146-dumbledore] [he]146-dumbledore said quietly . [He]146-dumbledore opened the gate and walked swiftly and silently up [the garden path]4583-the garden path , [Harry]136-harry at [his]136-harry heels , then pushed the front door very slowly , [his]146-dumbledore wand raised and at the ready . " [Lumos]197-lumos . "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's wand tip ignited , casting its light up [a narrow hallway]1078-a narrow hallway . To the left , another door stood open . Holding [his]146-dumbledore illuminated wand aloft , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore walked into [the sitting room]1079-the sitting room with [Harry]136-harry right behind [him]146-dumbledore . A scene of total devastation met [their]1080-their eyes . A grandfather clock lay splintered at [their]1080-their feet , [its]1081-its face cracked , [its]1081-its pendulum lying a little farther away like a dropped sword . A piano was on [its]1081-its side , [its]1081-its keys strewn across the floor . The wreckage of a fallen chandelier flittered nearby . Cushions lay deflated , feathers oozing from slashes in their sides ; fragments of glass and china lay like powder over everything . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore raised [his]146-dumbledore wand even higher , so that its light was thrown upon the walls , where something darkly red and glutinous was spattered over the wallpaper . [Harry]136-harry 's small intake of breath made [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore look around . " Not pretty , is it ? "[146-dumbledore] [he]146-dumbledore said heavily . " Yes , something horrible has happened [here]4439-here . "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore moved carefully into the middle of [the room]685-the room , scrutinizing the wreckage at [his]146-dumbledore feet . [Harry]136-harry followed , gazing around , half - scared of what [he]136-harry might see hidden behind the wreck of the piano or the overturned sofa , but there was no sign of a body . " Maybe there was a fight and — and [they]4659-they dragged [him]146-dumbledore off , [Professor]146-dumbledore ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry suggested , trying not to imagine how badly wounded [a man]4389-a man would have to be to leave those stains spattered halfway up the walls . " [I]146-dumbledore do n't think so , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore quietly , peering behind an overstuffed armchair lying on its side . " [You]146-dumbledore mean [he]146-dumbledore 's — ? "[146-dumbledore] " Still here somewhere ? Yes . "[146-dumbledore] And without warning , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore swooped , plunging the tip of [his]146-dumbledore wand into the seat of the overstuffed armchair , which yelled , " Ouch ! "[146-dumbledore] " Good evening , [Horace]193-slughorn , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , straightening up again . [Harry]136-harry ’s jaw dropped . Where a split second before there had been an armchair , there now crouched [an enormously fat , bald , old man who was massaging [his]1084-an enormously fat , bald , old man who was massaging his lower belly and squinting up at dumbledore with an aggrieved and watery eye lower belly and squinting up at [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore with an aggrieved and watery eye]1084-an enormously fat , bald , old man who was massaging his lower belly and squinting up at dumbledore with an aggrieved and watery eye . " There was no need to stick the wand in that hard , "[1084-an enormously fat , bald , old man who was massaging his lower belly and squinting up at dumbledore with an aggrieved and watery eye] [he]1084-an enormously fat , bald , old man who was massaging his lower belly and squinting up at dumbledore with an aggrieved and watery eye said gruffly , clambering to [his]1084-an enormously fat , bald , old man who was massaging his lower belly and squinting up at dumbledore with an aggrieved and watery eye feet . " It hurt . "[1084-an enormously fat , bald , old man who was massaging his lower belly and squinting up at dumbledore with an aggrieved and watery eye] The wandlight sparkled on [his]1084-an enormously fat , bald , old man who was massaging his lower belly and squinting up at dumbledore with an aggrieved and watery eye shiny pate , [his]1084-an enormously fat , bald , old man who was massaging his lower belly and squinting up at dumbledore with an aggrieved and watery eye prominent eyes , [his]1084-an enormously fat , bald , old man who was massaging his lower belly and squinting up at dumbledore with an aggrieved and watery eye enormous , silver , walruslike mustache , and the highly polished buttons on the maroon velvet jacket [he]1084-an enormously fat , bald , old man who was massaging his lower belly and squinting up at dumbledore with an aggrieved and watery eye was wearing over a pair of lilac silk pajamas . The top of [his]1084-an enormously fat , bald , old man who was massaging his lower belly and squinting up at dumbledore with an aggrieved and watery eye head barely reached [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's chin . " What gave it away ? "[1084-an enormously fat , bald , old man who was massaging his lower belly and squinting up at dumbledore with an aggrieved and watery eye] [he]1084-an enormously fat , bald , old man who was massaging his lower belly and squinting up at dumbledore with an aggrieved and watery eye grunted as [he]1084-an enormously fat , bald , old man who was massaging his lower belly and squinting up at dumbledore with an aggrieved and watery eye staggered to [his]1084-an enormously fat , bald , old man who was massaging his lower belly and squinting up at dumbledore with an aggrieved and watery eye feet , still rubbing [his]1084-an enormously fat , bald , old man who was massaging his lower belly and squinting up at dumbledore with an aggrieved and watery eye lower belly . [He]1084-an enormously fat , bald , old man who was massaging his lower belly and squinting up at dumbledore with an aggrieved and watery eye seemed remarkably unabashed for [a man who had just been discovered pretending to be an armchair]1085-a man who had just been discovered pretending to be an armchair . " [My]146-dumbledore dear [Horace]193-slughorn , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , looking amused , " if [the Death Eaters]198-the death eaters really had come to call , the Dark Mark would have been set over [the house]4472-the house . "[146-dumbledore] [The wizard]1086-the wizard clapped a pudgy hand to [his]1086-the wizard vast forehead . " The Dark Mark , "[1086-the wizard] [he]1086-the wizard muttered . " Knew there was something ... ah well . Would n't have had time anyway , [I]1086-the wizard 'd only just put the finishing touches to [my]1086-the wizard upholstery when [you]193-slughorn entered [the room]685-the room . "[1086-the wizard] [He]1084-an enormously fat , bald , old man who was massaging his lower belly and squinting up at dumbledore with an aggrieved and watery eye heaved a great sigh that made the ends of [his]1084-an enormously fat , bald , old man who was massaging his lower belly and squinting up at dumbledore with an aggrieved and watery eye mustache flutter . " Would [you]844-the other like [my]146-dumbledore assistance clearing up ? "[146-dumbledore] asked [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore politely . " Please , "[844-the other] said [the other]844-the other . [They]1088-they stood back to back , [the tall thin wizard]1089-the tall thin wizard and [the short round one]1090-the short round one , and waved [their]1088-they wands in one identical sweeping motion . The furniture flew back to its original places ; ornaments reformed in midair , feathers zoomed into [their]1091-their cushions ; torn books repaired themselves as they landed upon [their]1091-their shelves ; oil lanterns soared onto side tables and reignited ; a vast collection of splintered silver picture frames flew glittering across [the room]685-the room and alighted , whole and untarnished , upon a desk ; rips , cracks , and holes healed everywhere , and the walls wiped themselves clean . " What kind of blood was that , incidentally ? "[146-dumbledore] asked [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore loudly over the chiming of [the newly unsmashed grandfather flock]1093-the newly unsmashed grandfather flock . " On the walls ? [Dragon]199-dragon , "[1086-the wizard] shouted [the wizard]1086-the wizard called [Horace]193-slughorn , as , with a deafening grinding and tinkling , the chandelier screwed itself back into the ceiling . There was a final plunk from the piano , and silence . " Yes , dragon , "[1086-the wizard] repeated [the wizard]1086-the wizard conversationally . " [My]1086-the wizard last bottle , and prices are sky - high at the moment . Still , it might be reusable . "[1086-the wizard] [He]1086-the wizard stumped over to a small crystal bottle standing on top of a sideboard and held it up to the light , examining the thick liquid within . " Hmm . Bit dusty . "[1086-the wizard] [He]1086-the wizard set the bottle back on the sideboard and sighed . It was then that [his]1086-the wizard gaze fell upon [Harry]136-harry . " Oho , "[1086-the wizard] [he]1086-the wizard said , [his]1086-the wizard large round eyes flying to [Harry]136-harry 's forehead and the lightning - shaped scar it bore . " Oho ! "[1086-the wizard] " This , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , moving forward to make the introduction , " is [Harry Potter]136-harry . [Harry]136-harry , this is [an old Friend and colleague of [mine]146-dumbledore]4662-an old friend and colleague of mine , [Horace Slughorn]193-slughorn . "[146-dumbledore] [Slughorn]193-slughorn turned on [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , [his]193-slughorn expression shrewd . " So that 's how [you]146-dumbledore thought [you]146-dumbledore 'd persuade [me]1086-the wizard , is it ? Well , the answer 's no , [Albus]146-dumbledore . "[1086-the wizard] [He]1086-the wizard pushed past [Harry]136-harry , [his]1086-the wizard face turned resolutely away with the air of [a man trying to resist temptation]1096-a man trying to resist temptation . " [I]146-dumbledore suppose [we]4663-we can have a drink , at least ? "[146-dumbledore] asked [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " For old time 's sake ? "[193-slughorn] [Slughorn]193-slughorn hesitated . " All right then , one drink , "[193-slughorn] [he]193-slughorn said ungraciously . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore smiled at [Harry]136-harry and directed [him]136-harry toward a chair not unlike the one that [Slughorn]193-slughorn had so recently impersonated , which stood right beside the newly burning fire and a brightly glowing oil lamp . [Harry]136-harry took the seat with the distinct impression that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , for some reason , wanted to keep [him]136-harry as visible as possible . Certainly when [Slughorn]193-slughorn , who had been busy with decanters and glasses , turned to face [the room]685-the room again , [his]193-slughorn eyes fell immediately upon [Harry]136-harry . " [Hmpf]200-hmpf , "[193-slughorn] [he]193-slughorn said , looking away quickly as though frightened of hurting [his]193-slughorn eyes . " Here — "[193-slughorn] [He]193-slughorn gave a drink to [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , who had sat down without invitation , thrust the tray at [Harry]136-harry , and then sank into the cushions of the repaired sofa and a disgruntled silence . [His]193-slughorn legs were so short they did not touch the floor . " Well , how have [you]193-slughorn been keeping , [Horace]193-slughorn ? "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore asked . " Not so well , "[193-slughorn] said [Slughorn]193-slughorn at once . " Weak chest . Wheezy . Rheumatism too . Ca n't move like [I]193-slughorn used to . Well , that 's to be expected . Old age . Fatigue . "[193-slughorn] " And yet [you]193-slughorn must have moved fairly quickly to prepare such a welcome for [us]4664-us at such short notice , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [You]193-slughorn ca n't have had more than three minutes ' warning ? "[193-slughorn] [Slughorn]193-slughorn said , half irritably , half proudly , " Two . Did n't hear [my]193-slughorn Intruder Charm go off , [I]193-slughorn was taking a bath . Still , "[193-slughorn] [he]193-slughorn added sternly , seeming to pull [himself]193-slughorn back together again , " the fact remains that [I]193-slughorn 'm [an old man]4665-an old man , [Albus]146-dumbledore . [A tired old man who 's earned the right to a quiet life and a few creature comforts]4666-a tired old man who 's earned the right to a quiet life and a few creature comforts . "[193-slughorn] [He]193-slughorn certainly had those , thought [Harry]136-harry , looking around [the room]685-the room . [It]685-the room was stuffy and cluttered , yet [nobody]687-nobody could say it was uncomfortable ; there were soft chairs and footstools , drinks and books , boxes of chocolates and plump cushions . If [Harry]136-harry had not known who lived [there]4506-there , [he]136-harry would have guessed at [a rich , fussy old lady]1101-a rich , fussy old lady . " [You]146-dumbledore 're not yet as old as [I]146-dumbledore am , [Horace]193-slughorn , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " Well , maybe [you]146-dumbledore ought to think about retirement [yourself]146-dumbledore , "[193-slughorn] said [Slughorn]193-slughorn bluntly . [His]193-slughorn pale gooseberry eyes had found [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's injured hand . " Reactions not what they were , [I]193-slughorn see . "[193-slughorn] " [You]146-dumbledore 're quite right , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore serenely , shaking back [his]146-dumbledore sleeve to reveal the tips of those burned and blackened ringers ; the sight of them made the back of [Harry]136-harry 's neck prickle unpleasantly . " 1 am undoubtedly slower than [I]146-dumbledore was . But on the other hand . . . "[146-dumbledore] [He]146-dumbledore shrugged and spread [his]146-dumbledore hands wide , as though to say that age had its compensations , and [Harry]136-harry noticed a ring on [his]136-harry uninjured hand that [he]136-harry had never seen [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore wear before : It was large , rather clumsily made of what looked like gold , and was set with a heavy black stone that had cracked down the middle . [Slughorn]193-slughorn 's eyes lingered for a moment on the ring too , and [Harry]136-harry saw a tiny frown momentarily crease [his]193-slughorn wide forehead . " So , all these precautions against [intruders]4667-intruders , [Horace]193-slughorn ... are [they]4668-they for [the Death Eaters]198-the death eaters ' benefit , or [mine]146-dumbledore ? "[146-dumbledore] asked [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " What would [the Death Eaters]198-the death eaters want with [a poor broken - down old buffer like [me]193-slughorn]4669-a poor broken - down old buffer like me ? "[193-slughorn] demanded [Slughorn]193-slughorn . " [I]146-dumbledore imagine that [they]4668-they would want [you]146-dumbledore to turn [your]146-dumbledore considerable talents to coercion , torture , and murder , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " Are [you]146-dumbledore really telling [me]146-dumbledore that [they]4668-they have n't come recruiting yet ? "[146-dumbledore] [Slughorn]193-slughorn eyed [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore balefully for a moment , then muttered , " [I]193-slughorn have n't given [them]4668-they the chance . [I]193-slughorn 've been on the move for a year . Never stay in [one place]4670-one place more than a week . Move from [Muggle house]4671-muggle house to [Muggle house]4671-muggle house — [the owners of [this place]4674-this place]4673-the owners of this place are on holiday in [the Canary Islands]29-the canary islands — it 's been very pleasant , [I]193-slughorn 'll be sorry to leave . It 's quite easy once [you]146-dumbledore know how , one simple Freezing Charm on these absurd burglar alarms [they]4668-they use instead of Sneako - scopes and make sure [the neighbors]4675-the neighbors do n't spot [you]146-dumbledore bringing in the piano . "[193-slughorn] " Ingenious , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " But it sounds a rather tiring existence for [a broken - down old buffer in search of a quiet life]4676-a broken - down old buffer in search of a quiet life . Now , if [you]146-dumbledore were to return to [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts — "[146-dumbledore] " If [you]146-dumbledore 're going to tell [me]193-slughorn [my]193-slughorn life would be more peaceful at [that pestilential school]4677-that pestilential school , [you]146-dumbledore can save [your]146-dumbledore breath , [Albus]146-dumbledore ! [I]193-slughorn might have been in hiding , but some funny rumors have reached [me]193-slughorn since [Dolores Umbridge]201-dolores umbridge left ! If that 's how [you]146-dumbledore treat [teachers]4678-teachers these days — "[193-slughorn] " [Professor Umbridge]202-professor umbridge ran afoul of [our]4679-our centaur herd , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [I]146-dumbledore think [you]146-dumbledore , [Horace]193-slughorn , would have known better than to stride into [the forest]4680-the forest and call a horde of angry centaurs ' filthy half - breeds . ' "[146-dumbledore] " That 's what [she]201-dolores umbridge did , did [she]201-dolores umbridge ? "[193-slughorn] said [Slughorn]193-slughorn . " [Idiotic woman]4681-idiotic woman . Never liked [her]201-dolores umbridge . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry chuckled and both [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore and [Slughorn]193-slughorn looked round at [him]136-harry . " Sorry , "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry said hastily . " It 's just — [I]136-harry did n't like [her]201-dolores umbridge either . "[136-harry] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore stood up rather suddenly . " Are [you]146-dumbledore leaving ? "[193-slughorn] asked [Slughorn]193-slughorn at once , looking hopeful . " No , [I]146-dumbledore was wondering whether [I]146-dumbledore might use [[your]136-harry bathroom]4682-your bathroom , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " Oh , "[193-slughorn] said [Slughorn]193-slughorn , clearly disappointed . " Second on the left down [the hall]4616-the hall . "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore strode from [the room]685-the room . Once the door had closed behind [him]146-dumbledore , there was silence . After a few moments , [Slughorn]193-slughorn got to [his]193-slughorn feet but seemed uncertain what to do with [himself]193-slughorn . [He]193-slughorn shot a furtive look at [Harry]136-harry , then crossed to the fire and turned [his]193-slughorn back on it , warming [his]193-slughorn wide behind . " Do n't think [I]193-slughorn do n't know why [he]193-slughorn 's brought [you]136-harry , "[193-slughorn] [he]193-slughorn said abruptly . [Harry]136-harry merely looked at [Slughorn]193-slughorn . [Slughorn]193-slughorn 's watery eyes slid over [Harry]136-harry 's scar , this time taking in the rest of [his]136-harry face . " [You]136-harry look very like [[your]136-harry father]4684-your father . "[193-slughorn] " Yeah , [I]136-harry 've been told , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Except for [your]136-harry eyes . [You]136-harry 've got — - "[136-harry] " [[My]136-harry mother]4685-my mother 's eyes , yeah . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry had heard it so often [he]136-harry found it a bit wearing . " [Hmpf]200-hmpf . Yes , well . [You]136-harry should n't have favorites as [a teacher]4686-a teacher , of course , but [she]4685-my mother was one of [mine]193-slughorn . [[Your]136-harry mother]4687-your mother , "[193-slughorn] [Slughorn]193-slughorn added , in answer to [Harry]136-harry ’s questioning look . " [Lily Evans]203-lily . [One of the brightest [I]193-slughorn ever taught]4688-one of the brightest i ever taught . Vivacious , [you]136-harry know . [Charming girl]4689-charming girl . [I]193-slughorn used to tell [her]203-lily [she]203-lily ought to have been in [[my]193-slughorn House]4690-my house . Very cheeky answers [I]193-slughorn used to get back too . "[193-slughorn] < " Which was [[your]193-slughorn House]4483-your house ? "[193-slughorn] " [I]193-slughorn was [Head of [Slytherin]204-slytherin]4692-head of slytherin , "[193-slughorn] said [Slughorn]193-slughorn . " Oh , now , "[193-slughorn] [he]193-slughorn went on quickly , seeing the expression on [Harry]136-harry 's face and wagging a stubby ringer at [him]136-harry , " do n't go holding that against [me]193-slughorn ! [You]136-harry 'll be [Gryffindor]205-gryffindor like [her]203-lily , [I]193-slughorn suppose ? Yes , it usually goes in [families]4693-families . Not always , though . Ever heard of [Sirius Black]144-sirius ? [You]136-harry must have done — been in the papers for the last couple of years — died a few weeks ago — "[193-slughorn] It was as though an invisible hand had twisted [Harry]136-harry 's intestines and held them tight . " Well , anyway , [he]144-sirius was [a big pal of [[your]136-harry father]4684-your father 's at [school]4622-school]4694-a big pal of your father 's at school . [The whole Black family]4697-the whole black family had been in [[my]136-harry House]4690-my house , but [Sirius]144-sirius ended up in [Gryffindor]205-gryffindor ! Shame — [he]144-sirius was [a talented boy]4699-a talented boy . [I]136-harry got [[his]144-sirius brother]4700-his brother , [Regulus]185-regulus , when [he]144-sirius came along , but [I]136-harry 'd have liked the set . "[136-harry] [He]136-harry sounded like [an enthusiastic collector who had been outbid at auction]1103-an enthusiastic collector who had been outbid at auction . Apparently lost in memories , [he]136-harry gazed at the opposite wall , turning idly on the spot to ensure an even heat on [his]136-harry backside . " [[Your]136-harry mother]4687-your mother was [Muggle]206-morfin - born , of course . Could n't believe it when [I]136-harry found out . Thought [she]4687-your mother must have been pure - blood , [she]4687-your mother was so good . "[136-harry] " One of [[my]136-harry best friends]4702-my best friends is [Muggle - born]206-morfin , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , " and [she]4687-your mother 's the best in [our]4703-our year . "[136-harry] " Funny how that sometimes happens , is n't it ? "[193-slughorn] said [Slughorn]193-slughorn . " Not really , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry coldly . [Slughorn]193-slughorn looked down at [him]136-harry in surprise . " [You]136-harry must n't think [I]193-slughorn 'm prejudiced ! "[193-slughorn] [he]193-slughorn said . " No , no , no ! Have n't [I]193-slughorn just said [[your]136-harry mother]4687-your mother was [one of [[my]193-slughorn all - time favorite students]4706-my all - time favorite students]4705-one of my all - time favorite students ? And there was [Dirk Cresswell]207-dirk cresswell in the year after [her]4687-your mother too — now [Head of [the Goblin Liaison Office]4708-the goblin liaison office]4707-head of the goblin liaison office , of course — [another Muggle - born]4709-another muggle - born , [a very gifted student]4710-a very gifted student , and still gives [me]193-slughorn excellent inside information on the goings - on at [Gringotts]22-gringotts ! "[193-slughorn] [He]136-harry bounced up and down a little , smiling in a self - satisfied way , and pointed at the many glittering photograph frames on the dresser , each peopled with tiny moving occupants . " [All ex - students]4711-all ex - students , all signed . [You]136-harry 'll notice [Barnabas Cuffe]208-barnabas cuffe , [editor of the Daily Prophet]4712-editor of the daily prophet , [he]208-barnabas cuffe 's always interested to hear [my]136-harry take on the day 's news . And [Ambrosius Flume]209-ambrosius flume , of [Honeydukes]210-honeydukes — a hamper every birthday , and all because [I]136-harry was able to give [him]209-ambrosius flume an introduction to [Ciceron Harkisss]211-ciceron harkisss who gave [him]209-ambrosius flume [his]209-ambrosius flume first job ! And at the back — [you]136-harry 'll see [her]4713-her if [you]136-harry just crane [your]136-harry neck — that 's [Gwenog Jones]212-gwenog jones , who of course captains [the Holyhead Harpies]213-the holyhead harpies . . . . [People]681-people are always astonished to hear [I]136-harry 'm on first - name terms with [the Harpies]213-the holyhead harpies , and free tickets whenever [I]136-harry want [them]213-the holyhead harpies ! "[136-harry] This thought seemed to cheer [him]1104-him up enormously . " And [all these people]4715-all these people know where to find [you]193-slughorn , to send [you]193-slughorn stuff ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry , who could not help wondering why [the Death Eaters]4511-the death eaters had not yet tracked down [Slughorn]193-slughorn if [hampers of sweets]1106-hampers of sweets , [Quidditch]214-quidditch tickets , and visitors craving [his]193-slughorn advice and opinions could find [him]193-slughorn . The smile slid from [Slughorn]193-slughorn 's face as quickly as the blood from [his]193-slughorn walls . " Of course not , "[193-slughorn] [he]193-slughorn said , looking down at [Harry]136-harry . " [I]193-slughorn have been out of touch with [everybody]4716-everybody for a year . "[193-slughorn] [Harry]136-harry had the impression that the words shocked [Slughorn]193-slughorn [himself]193-slughorn ; [he]193-slughorn looked quite unsettled for a moment . Then [he]193-slughorn shrugged . " Still . . . [the prudent wizard]4717-the prudent wizard keeps [his]4717-the prudent wizard head down in such times . All very well for [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore to talk , but taking up a post at Hog - warts just now would be tantamount to declaring [my]193-slughorn public allegiance to [the Order of the Phoenix]4525-the order of the phoenix ! And while [I]193-slughorn 'm sure [they]4525-the order of the phoenix 're very admirable and brave and all the rest of it , [I]193-slughorn do n't personally fancy the mortality rate — - "[193-slughorn] " [You]136-harry do n't have to join [the Order]4527-the order to teach at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , who could not quite keep a note of derision out of [his]136-harry voice : It was hard to sympathize with [Slughorn]193-slughorn 's cosseted existence when [he]136-harry remembered [Sirius]144-sirius , crouching in [a cave]1107-a cave and living on rats . " [Most of [the teachers]4721-the teachers]4720-most of the teachers are n't in [it]4722-it , and [none of [them]4721-the teachers]4723-none of them has ever been killed — well , unless [you]136-harry count [Quirrell]165-quirrell , and [he]165-quirrell got what [he]165-quirrell deserved seeing as [he]165-quirrell was working with [Voldemort]192-voldemort . "[144-sirius] [Harry]136-harry had been sure [Slughorn]193-slughorn would be one of [those wizards who could not bear to hear [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's name spoken aloud]1108-those wizards who could not bear to hear voldemort 's name spoken aloud , and was not disappointed : [Slughorn]193-slughorn gave a shudder and a squawk of protest , which [Harry]136-harry ignored . " [I]136-harry reckon [the staff]4724-the staff are safer than [most people]4725-most people while [[Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's headmaster]4726-dumbledore 's headmaster ; [he]4726-dumbledore 's headmaster 's supposed to be [the only one [Voldemort]192-voldemort ever feared]4727-the only one voldemort ever feared , is n't [he]4726-dumbledore 's headmaster ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry went on . [Slughorn]193-slughorn gazed into space for a moment or two : [He]193-slughorn seemed to be thinking over [Harry]136-harry 's words . " Well , yes , it is true that [He]193-slughorn - [Who - Must - Not - Be - Named]4728-who - must - not - be - named has never sought a fight with [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , "[193-slughorn] [he]193-slughorn muttered grudgingly . " And [I]193-slughorn suppose [one]4729-one could argue that as [I]193-slughorn have not joined [the Death Kilters]215-the death kilters , [He]193-slughorn - Who - [Must - Not - Be - Named]4431-must - not - be - named can hardly count [me]193-slughorn [a friend]4731-a friend . . . in which case , [I]193-slughorn might well be safer a little closer to [Albus]146-dumbledore . . . . [I]193-slughorn can not pretend that [Amelia Bones]141-amelia bones 's death did not shake [me]193-slughorn . . . . If [she]141-amelia bones , with all [her]141-amelia bones Ministry contacts and protection . . . "[193-slughorn] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore reentered [the room]685-the room and [Slughorn]193-slughorn jumped as though [he]193-slughorn had forgotten [he]193-slughorn was in [the house]4472-the house . " Oh , there [you]193-slughorn are , [Albus]146-dumbledore , "[193-slughorn] [he]193-slughorn said . " [You]193-slughorn 've been a very long lime . Upset stomach ? "[193-slughorn] " No , [I]146-dumbledore was merely reading the Muggle magazines , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [I]146-dumbledore do love knitting patterns . Well , [Harry]136-harry , [we]4732-we have trespassed upon [[Horace]193-slughorn 's hospitality]4733-horace 's hospitality quite long enough ; [I]146-dumbledore think it is time for [us]4732-we to leave . "[146-dumbledore] Not at all reluctant to obey , [Harry]136-harry jumped to [his]136-harry feet . [Slughorn]193-slughorn sinned taken aback . " [You]193-slughorn 're leaving ? "[193-slughorn] " Yes , indeed . [I]193-slughorn think [I]193-slughorn know a lost cause when [I]193-slughorn see one . "[193-slughorn] " Lost . . . ? "[193-slughorn] [Slughorn]193-slughorn seemed agitated . [He]193-slughorn twiddled [his]193-slughorn fat thumbs and fidgeted as [he]193-slughorn watched [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore fasten [his]146-dumbledore traveling cloak , and [Harry]136-harry zip up [his]136-harry jacket . " Well , [I]146-dumbledore 'm sorry [you]193-slughorn do n't want the job , [Horace]193-slughorn , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , raising [his]146-dumbledore uninjured hand in a farewell salute . " [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts would have been glad to see [you]193-slughorn back again . [Our]1111-they greatly increased security notwithstanding , [you]193-slughorn will always be welcome to visit , should [you]193-slughorn wish to . "[146-dumbledore] " Yes . . . well . . . very gracious ... as [I]193-slughorn say ... "[193-slughorn] " Good - bye , then . "[136-harry] " Bye , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . [They]1111-they were at the front door when there was a shout from behind [them]1111-they . " All right , all right , [I]146-dumbledore 'll do it ! "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore turned to see [Slughorn]193-slughorn standing breathless in the doorway to [the sitting room]1079-the sitting room . " [You]193-slughorn will come out of retirement ? "[193-slughorn] " Yes , yes , "[193-slughorn] said [Slughorn]193-slughorn impatiently . " [I]193-slughorn must be mad , but yes . "[193-slughorn] " Wonderful , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , beaming . " Then , [Horace]193-slughorn , [we]1111-they shall see [you]193-slughorn on the first of September . "[146-dumbledore] " Yes , [I]193-slughorn daresay [you]193-slughorn will , "[193-slughorn] grunted [Slughorn]193-slughorn . As [they]1111-they set off down [the garden path]4583-the garden path , [Slughorn]193-slughorn 's voice floated after [them]1111-they , " [I]193-slughorn 'll want a pay rise , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ! "[193-slughorn] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore chuckled . The garden gate swung shut behind [them]1111-they , and [they]1111-they set off back down [the hill]1114-the hill through the dark and the swirling mist . " Well done , [Harry]136-harry , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [I]136-harry did n't do anything , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry in surprise . " Oh yes [you]136-harry did . [You]136-harry showed [Horace]193-slughorn exactly how much [he]193-slughorn stands to gain by returning to [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts . Did [you]136-harry like [him]193-slughorn ? "[136-harry] " Er ... "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry was n't sure whether [he]136-harry liked [Slughorn]193-slughorn or not . [He]136-harry supposed [he]136-harry had been pleasant in [his]136-harry way , but [he]136-harry had also seemed vain and , whatever [he]136-harry said to the contrary , much too surprised that [a Muggle - born]1115-a muggle - born should make [a good witch]1116-a good witch . " [Horace]193-slughorn , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , relieving [Harry]136-harry of the responsibility to say any of this , " likes [his]193-slughorn comfort . [He]193-slughorn also likes the company of [the famous]4734-the famous , the successful , and the powerful . [He]193-slughorn enjoys the feeling that [he]193-slughorn influences [these people]4735-these people . [He]193-slughorn has never wanted to occupy the throne [himself]193-slughorn ; [he]193-slughorn prefers [the backseat]4736-the backseat — more room to spread out , [you]4737-you see . [He]193-slughorn used to handpick [favorites]4738-favorites at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , some - limcs for [their]4738-favorites ambition or [their]4738-favorites brains , sometimes for [their]4738-favorites charm or [their]4738-favorites talent , and [he]193-slughorn had an uncanny knack for choosing those who would go on to become outstanding in [their]4738-favorites various fields . [Horace]193-slughorn formed a kind of club of [[his]193-slughorn favorites]4739-his favorites with [himself]193-slughorn at the center , making introductions , forging useful contacts between [members]4740-members , and always reaping some kind of benefit in return , whether a free box of [his]193-slughorn favorite crystalized pineapple or the chance to recommend [the next junior member of the Goblin liaison Office]4741-the next junior member of the goblin liaison office . "[146-dumbledore] [Harry]136-harry had a sudden and vivid mental image of a great swollen spider , spinning a web around it , twitching a thread here and there to bring its large and juicy flies a little closer . " [I]146-dumbledore tell [you]136-harry all this , "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore continued , " not to turn [you]136-harry against [Horace]193-slughorn — or , as [we]4742-we must now call [him]193-slughorn , [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn — but to put [you]136-harry on [your]136-harry guard . [He]193-slughorn will undoubtedly try to collect [you]136-harry , [Harry]136-harry . [You]136-harry would be the jewel of [[his]193-slughorn collection]4743-his collection ; ' [the Boy Who Lived]4744-the boy who lived ' ... or , as [they]4742-we call [you]136-harry these days , ' [the Chosen One]940-the chosen one . ' "[146-dumbledore] At these words , a chill that had nothing to do with the surrounding mist stole over [Harry]136-harry . [He]136-harry was reminded of words [he]136-harry had heard a few weeks ago , words that had a horrible and particular meaning to [him]136-harry : Neither can live while the other survives . . . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had stopped walking , level with [the church [they]1118-they had passed earlier]1117-the church they had passed earlier . " This will do , [Harry]136-harry . If [you]136-harry will grasp [my]146-dumbledore arm . "[146-dumbledore] Braced this time , [Harry]136-harry was ready for the Apparition , but still found it unpleasant . When the pressure disappeared and [he]136-harry found [himself]136-harry able to breathe again , [he]136-harry was standing in [a country lane]1119-a country lane beside [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore and looking ahead to the crooked silhouette of [[his]136-harry second favorite building in [the world]714-the world]1120-his second favorite building in the world : [the Burrow]25-the burrow . In spite of the feeling of dread that had just swept through [him]136-harry , [his]136-harry spirits could not help but lift at the sight of it . [Ron]217-ron was in [there]4506-there . . . and so was [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , who could cook better than anyone [he]136-harry knew . . . . " If [you]136-harry do n't mind , [Harry]136-harry , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , as [they]1123-they passed through the gate , " [I]146-dumbledore 'd like a few words with [you]136-harry before [we]1123-they part . In private . Perhaps in here ? "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore pointed toward [a run - down stone outhouse where [the Weasleys]219-the weasleys kept [their]1125-their broomsticks]1124-a run - down stone outhouse where the weasleys kept their broomsticks . A little puzzled , [Harry]136-harry followed [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore through the creaking door into [a space a little smaller than the average cupboard]1126-a space a little smaller than the average cupboard . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore illuminated the tip of [his]146-dumbledore wand , so that it glowed like a torch , and smiled down at [Harry]136-harry . " [I]146-dumbledore hope [you]136-harry will forgive [me]146-dumbledore for mentioning it , [Harry]136-harry , but [I]146-dumbledore am pleased and a little proud at how well [you]136-harry seem to be coping after everything that happened at [the Ministry]4400-the ministry . Permit [me]146-dumbledore to say that [I]146-dumbledore think [Sirius]144-sirius would have been proud of [you]136-harry . "[146-dumbledore] [Harry]136-harry swallowed ; [his]136-harry voice seemed to have deserted [him]136-harry . [He]136-harry did not think [he]136-harry could stand to discuss [Sirius]144-sirius ; it had been painful enough to hear [Uncle Vernon]179-uncle vernon say " [[His]179-uncle vernon godfather]990-his godfather 's dead ? "[179-uncle vernon] and even worse to hear [Sirius]144-sirius ’s name thrown out casually by [Slughorn]216-slughorn . " It was cruel , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore softly , " that [you]136-harry and [Sirius]144-sirius had such a short time together . A brutal ending to what should have been a long and happy relationship . "[146-dumbledore] [Harry]136-harry nodded , [his]136-harry eyes fixed resolutely on the spider now climbing [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's hat . [He]136-harry could tell that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore understood , that [he]146-dumbledore might even suspect that until [his]146-dumbledore letter arrived , [Harry]136-harry had spent nearly all [his]136-harry time at [the Dursleys]177-the dursleys ' lying on [his]136-harry bed , refusing meals , and staring at the misted window , full of the chill emptiness [i]0-i hat [he]136-harry had come to associate with [dementors]4423-dementors . " It 's just hard , "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry said finally , in a low voice , " to realize [he]136-harry wo n't write to [me]136-harry again . "[136-harry] [His]136-harry eyes burned suddenly and [he]136-harry blinked . [He]136-harry felt stupid for admitting it , but the fact that [he]136-harry had had [someone outside [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts who cared what happened to [him]136-harry , almost like [a parent]1129-a parent , had been one of the best things about discovering [[his]136-harry godfather]990-his godfather]1128-someone outside hogwarts who cared what happened to him , almost like a parent , had been one of the best things about discovering his godfather . . . and now [the post owls]1131-the post owls would never bring [him]136-harry that comfort again . . . . " [Sirius]144-sirius represented much to [you]0-i that [you]0-i had never known before , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore gently . " Naturally , the loss is devastating . . . . "[146-dumbledore] But while [I]0-i was at [the Dursleys]177-the dursleys ' ... " interrupted [Harry]136-harry , [his]0-i voice growing stronger , "[0-i] [I]0-i realized [I]0-i ca n’t shut [myself]0-i away or — or crack up . [Sirius]144-sirius would n't have wanted that , would [he]144-sirius ? And anyway , life 's too short . . . . Look at [Madam Bones]195-madam bones , look at [Emmeline Vance]142-emmeline vance . ... It could be [me]0-i next , could n't it ? But if it is , " [he]0-i said fiercely , now looking straight into [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's blue eyes gleaming in the wandlight , "[0-i] [I]0-i 'll make sure [I]0-i take as many Death Eaters with [me]0-i as [I]0-i can , and [Voldemort]192-voldemort too if [I]0-i can manage it . " "[1133-father] Spoken both like [[your]0-i mother]4687-your mother and [[father]1133-father 's son]1134-father 's son and [[Sirius]144-sirius 's true godson]1135-sirius 's true godson ! " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , with an approving pat on [Harry]136-harry 's back . "[0-i] [I]0-i take [my]0-i hat off to [you]0-i — or [I]0-i would , if [I]0-i were not afraid of showering [you]0-i in spiders . " And now , [Harry]136-harry , on a closely related subject ... [I]0-i gather that [you]136-harry have been taking [the Daily Prophet]1072-the daily prophet over the last two weeks ? "[0-i] " Yes , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , and [his]136-harry heart beat a little faster . " Then [you]136-harry will have seen that there have been not so much leaks as floods concerning [your]136-harry adventure in [the Hall of Prophecy]4749-the hall of prophecy ? "[136-harry] " Yes , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry again . " And now [everyone]4750-everyone knows that [I]136-harry 'm [the one]4751-the one — "[136-harry] No , [they]1136-they do not , " interrupted [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[1136-they] There are only two people in [the whole world]1137-the whole world who know the full contents of the prophecy made about [you]0-i and [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort , and [they]1138-they are both standing in [this smelly , spidery broom shed]1139-this smelly , spidery broom shed . It is true , however , that [many]1140-many have guessed , correctly , that [Voldemort]192-voldemort sent [his]192-voldemort Death Eaters to steal a prophecy , and that the prophecy concerned [you]0-i . " Now , [I]146-dumbledore think [I]146-dumbledore am correct in saying that [you]0-i have not told [anybody]665-anybody that [you]0-i know what the prophecy said ? "[146-dumbledore] " No , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " A wise decision , on the whole , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " Although [I]146-dumbledore think [you]136-harry ought to relax it in favor of [[your]136-harry friends]4753-your friends , [Mr. Ronald Weasley]220-mr. weasley and [Miss Hermione Granger]194-hermione . Yes , "[146-dumbledore] [he]146-dumbledore continued , when [Harry]136-harry looked startled , " [I]146-dumbledore think [they]4753-your friends ought to know . [You]136-harry do [them]4753-your friends a disservice by not confiding something this important to [them]4753-your friends . "[146-dumbledore] " [I]146-dumbledore did n't want — "[146-dumbledore] " — to worry or frighten [them]4753-your friends ? "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , surveying [Harry]136-harry over the top of [his]136-harry half - moon spectacles . " Or perhaps , to confess that [you]136-harry [yourself]136-harry are worried and frightened ? [You]136-harry need [[your]136-harry friends]4753-your friends , [Harry]136-harry . As [you]136-harry so rightly said , [Sirius]144-sirius would not have wanted [you]136-harry to shut [yourself]136-harry away . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry said nothing , but [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore did not seem to require an answer . [He]146-dumbledore continued , " On a different , though related , subject , it is [my]146-dumbledore wish that [you]136-harry take private lessons with [me]146-dumbledore this year . "[146-dumbledore] " Private — with [you]146-dumbledore ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , surprised out of [his]136-harry preoccupied silence . " Yes . [I]136-harry think it is time that [I]136-harry took a greater hand in [your]146-dumbledore education . "[136-harry] What will [you]146-dumbledore be teaching [me]0-i , [sir]985-sir ? " "[146-dumbledore] Oh , a little of this , a little of that , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore airily . [Harry]136-harry waited hopefully , but [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore did not elaborate , so [ho]0-i asked something else that had been bothering [him]136-harry slightly . "[146-dumbledore] If [I]0-i 'm having lessons with [you]146-dumbledore , [I]0-i wo n't have to do Occlumency lessons with [Snape]156-snape , will [I]0-i ? " '' [Professor Snape]221-snape , [Harry]136-harry — and no , [you]136-harry will not . "[0-i] " Good , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry in relief , " because [they]4755-they were a — "[136-harry] [He]136-harry stopped , careful not to say what [he]136-harry really thought . " [I]146-dumbledore think the word ' fiasco ' would be a good one here , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , nodding . [Harry]136-harry laughed . " Well , that means [I]136-harry wo n't see much of [Professor Snape]221-snape from now on , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said , " because [he]221-snape wo n't let [me]136-harry carry on Potions unless [I]136-harry get ' Outstanding ' in [my]136-harry OWL . , which [I]136-harry know [I]136-harry have n't . "[136-harry] " Do n't count [your]136-harry owls before they are delivered , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore gravely . " Which , now [I]146-dumbledore think of it , ought to be some time later today . Now , two more things , [Harry]136-harry , before [we]4756-we part . "[146-dumbledore] Firstly , [I]0-i wish [you]136-harry to keep [your]136-harry Invisibility Cloak with [you]136-harry at all times from this moment onward . Even within Hogwarts itself . Just in case , [you]136-harry understand [me]0-i ? " [Harry]136-harry nodded . "[0-i] And lastly , while [you]136-harry stay [here]4439-here , [the Burrow]4579-the burrow has been given the highest security [the Ministry of Magic]716-the ministry of magic can provide . These measures have caused a certain amount of inconvenience to [Arthur]222-arthur and [Molly]223-molly — all [their]1145-their post , for instance , is being searched at [the Ministry]4400-the ministry before being sent on . [They]1145-their do not mind in the slightest , for [their]1145-their only concern is [your]136-harry safety . However , it would be poor repayment if [you]136-harry risked [your]136-harry neck while staying with [them]1145-their . " "[0-i] [I]0-i understand , " said [Harry]136-harry quickly . "[0-i] Very well , then , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , pushing open the broom shed door and stepping out into [the yard]4757-the yard . "[0-i] [I]0-i see a light in [the kitchen]1147-the kitchen . Let [us]1148-us not deprive [Molly]223-molly any longer of the chance to deplore how thin [you]136-harry are . "[223-molly] Chapter 5 : An Excess Of [Phlegm Harry]136-harry and [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore approached the back door of [the Burrow]4579-the burrow , which was surrounded by the familiar litter of old Wellington boots and rusty cauldrons ; [Harry]136-harry could hear the soft clucking of sleepy chickens coming from [a distant shed]1150-a distant shed . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore knocked three times and [Harry]136-harry saw sudden movement behind the kitchen window . " Who 's there ? "[218-hagrid] said a nervous voice [he]136-harry recognized as [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid 's . " Declare [yourself]136-harry ! "[218-hagrid] " It is [I]146-dumbledore , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , bringing [Harry]136-harry . "[146-dumbledore] The door opened at once . There stood [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , short , plump , and wearing an old green dressing gown . " [Harry]136-harry , [dear]4656-dear ! Gracious , [Albus]146-dumbledore , [you]136-harry gave [me]218-hagrid a fright , [you]136-harry said not to expect [you]136-harry before morning ! "[218-hagrid] " [We]4759-we were lucky , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , ushering [Harry]136-harry over the threshold . " [Slughorn]216-slughorn proved much more persuadable than [I]146-dumbledore had expected . [Harry]136-harry 's doing , of course . Ah , hello , [Nymphadora]225-nymphadora ! "[146-dumbledore] [Harry]136-harry looked around and saw that [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid was not alone , despite the lateness of the hour . [A young witch with a pale , heart - shaped face and mousy brown hair]1151-a young witch with a pale , heart - shaped face and mousy brown hair was sitting at the table clutching a large mug between [her]1151-a young witch with a pale , heart - shaped face and mousy brown hair hands . " Hello , [Professor]216-slughorn , "[1151-a young witch with a pale , heart - shaped face and mousy brown hair] [she]1151-a young witch with a pale , heart - shaped face and mousy brown hair said . " Wotcher , [Harry]136-harry . "[1151-a young witch with a pale , heart - shaped face and mousy brown hair] " Hi , [Tonks]226-tonks . "[1151-a young witch with a pale , heart - shaped face and mousy brown hair] [Harry]136-harry thought [she]1151-a young witch with a pale , heart - shaped face and mousy brown hair looked drawn , even ill , and there was something forced in [her]1151-a young witch with a pale , heart - shaped face and mousy brown hair smile . Certainly [her]1151-a young witch with a pale , heart - shaped face and mousy brown hair appearance was less colorful than usual without [her]1151-a young witch with a pale , heart - shaped face and mousy brown hair customary shade of bubble - gum - pink hair . " [I]1151-a young witch with a pale , heart - shaped face and mousy brown hair 'd better be off , "[1151-a young witch with a pale , heart - shaped face and mousy brown hair] [she]1151-a young witch with a pale , heart - shaped face and mousy brown hair said quickly , standing up and pulling [her]1151-a young witch with a pale , heart - shaped face and mousy brown hair cloak around [her]1151-a young witch with a pale , heart - shaped face and mousy brown hair shoulders . " Thanks for the tea and sympathy , [Molly]223-molly "[1151-a young witch with a pale , heart - shaped face and mousy brown hair] " Please do n't leave on [my]146-dumbledore account , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore courteously , " [I]146-dumbledore can not stay , [I]146-dumbledore have urgent matters to discuss with [Rufus Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour . "[146-dumbledore] " No , no , [I]226-tonks need to get going , "[226-tonks] said [Tonks]226-tonks , not meeting [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's eyes . " ' Night ? quot ; "[226-tonks] [Dear]136-harry , why not come to dinner at the weekend , [Remus]227-lupin and [Mad - Eye]228-mad - eye moody are coming ? ? " "[223-molly] No , really , [Molly]223-molly . . . thanks anyway . . . Good night , [every - one]1152-every - one . [Tonks]226-tonks hurried past [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore and [Harry]136-harry into [the yard]4757-the yard ; a few paces beyond the doorstep , [she]226-tonks turned on the spot and vanished into thin air . [Harry]136-harry noticed that [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid looked troubled . " Well , [I]146-dumbledore shall see [you]136-harry at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , [Harry]136-harry , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " Take care of [yourself]136-harry . [Molly]223-molly , [[your]136-harry servant]4482-your servant . "[136-harry] [He]136-harry made [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid a bow and followed [Tonks]226-tonks , vanishing at precisely the same spot . [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid closed the door on [the empty yard]1154-the empty yard and then steered [Harry]136-harry by the shoulders into the full glow of -=-ilu * lantern on the table to examine [his]136-harry appearance . " [You]136-harry 're like [Ron]217-ron , "[218-hagrid] [she]218-hagrid sighed , looking [him]136-harry up and down . " Both of [you]136-harry look as though [you]136-harry 've had Stretching jinxes put on [you]136-harry . -=-I [Nwcar Ron]229-ron 's grown four inches since [I]218-hagrid last bought [him]217-ron school robes . Are [you]136-harry hungry , [Harry]136-harry ? "[218-hagrid] " Yeah , [I]136-harry am , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , suddenly realizing just how hungry [he]136-harry was , " Sit down , [dear]4656-dear , [I]136-harry 'll knock something up . "[136-harry] As [Harry]136-harry sat down , a furry ginger cat with a squashed face lumped onto [his]1155-his knees and settled there , purring . " So [Hermione]194-hermione 's here ? "[136-harry] [he]136-harry asked happily as [he]136-harry tickled [Crookshanks]230-crookshanks behind the ears . " Oh yes , [she]194-hermione arrived the day before yesterday , "[218-hagrid] said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , rapping a large iron pot with [her]218-hagrid wand . It bounced onto the -=-Itovc with a loud clang and began to bubble at once . " [Everyone]4750-everyone 's in bed , of course , [we]4763-we did n't expect [you]136-harry for hours . Here [you]136-harry are ? quot ; [She]218-hagrid tapped the pot again ; it rose into the air , flew toward [Harry]136-harry , and tipped over ; [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid slid a bowl nearly beneath it just in lime to catch the stream of thick , steaming onion soup . "[218-hagrid] Bread , [dear]4656-dear ? " "[4656-dear] Thanks , [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid . " [She]218-hagrid waved [her]218-hagrid wand over [her]218-hagrid shoulder ; a loaf of bread and a knife soared gracefully onto the table ; as the loaf sliced itself and -=-llie soup pot dropped back onto the stove , [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid sat down opposite [him]136-harry . "[218-hagrid] So [you]4656-dear persuaded [Horace Slughorn]193-slughorn to take the job ? " [Harry]136-harry nodded , [his]136-harry mouth so full of hot soup that [he]136-harry could not speak . "[193-slughorn] [He]193-slughorn taught [Arthur]223-molly and [me]0-i , " said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid . "[193-slughorn] [He]193-slughorn was at Hog - warts for ages , started around the same time as [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , [I]0-i think . Did [you]4656-dear like [him]193-slughorn ? " [His]136-harry mouth now full of bread , [Harry]136-harry shrugged and gave a noncommittal jerk of the head . "[4656-dear] [I]0-i know what [you]4656-dear mean , " said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , nodding wisely . "[4656-dear] Of course [he]193-slughorn can be charming when [he]193-slughorn wants to be , but [Arthur]223-molly 's never liked [him]193-slughorn much . The Ministry 's littered with [Slughorn]193-slughorn 's old favorites , [he]193-slughorn was always good at giving leg ups , but [he]193-slughorn never had much time for [Arthur]223-molly ? did n't seem to think [he]193-slughorn was enough of a highflier . Well , that just shows [you]4656-dear , even [Slughorn]193-slughorn makes mistakes . [I]0-i do n't know whether [Ron]229-ron 's told [you]4656-dear in any of [his]229-ron letters ? it 's only just happened ? but [Arthur]223-molly 's been promoted ! " It could not have been clearer that [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid had been bursting to say this . [Harry]136-harry swallowed a large amount of very hot soup and thought [he]136-harry could feel [his]136-harry throat blistering . "[223-molly] That 's great ! " [he]136-harry gasped . "[223-molly] [You]4656-dear are sweet , " beamed [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , possibly taking [his]136-harry watering eyes for emotion at the news . "[4656-dear] Yes , [Rufus Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour has set up [several new offices]1157-several new offices in response to the present situation , and [Arthur]223-molly 's heading the Office for the Detection and Confiscation of Counterfeit Defensive Spells and Protective Objects . It 's a big job , [he]193-slughorn 's got [ten people reporting to [him]193-slughorn]1158-ten people reporting to him now ! " "[1158-ten people reporting to him] What exactly ? ? " "[1158-ten people reporting to him] Well , [you]4656-dear see , in all the panic about [You]4656-dear - Know - Who , odd things have been cropping up for sale everywhere , things that are supposed to guard against [You]4656-dear - Know - Who and [the Death Eaters]4511-the death eaters . [You]4656-dear can imagine the kind of thing ? so - called protective potions that are really gravy with a bit of bubotuber pus added , or instructions for defensive jinxes that actually make [your]4656-dear ears fall off . . . . Well , in the main [the perpetrators]1160-the perpetrators are just [people like [Mundungus Hotelier]231-mundungus hotelier , who 've never done an honest day 's work in [their]231-mundungus hotelier lives]1161-people like mundungus hotelier , who 've never done an honest day 's work in their lives and are taking advantage of how frightened [everybody]4716-everybody is , but every now and then something really nasty turns up . The other day [Arthur]223-molly confiscated a box of cursed Sneakoscopes that were almost certainly planted by [a Death Eater]4651-a death eater . So [you]4656-dear see , it 's a very important job , and [I]0-i tell [him]193-slughorn it 's just silly to miss dealing with spark plugs and loasters and all the rest of that Muggle rubbish . " [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid ended [her]218-hagrid speech with a stern look , as if it had been [Harry]136-harry suggesting that it was natural to miss spark plugs . "[0-i] Is [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley still at work ? " [Harry]136-harry asked . "[220-mr. weasley] Yes , [he]220-mr. weasley is . As a matter of fact , [he]220-mr. weasley 's a tiny bit late . ... [He]220-mr. weasley said [he]220-mr. weasley 'd be back around midnight . . . . " [She]218-hagrid turned to look at a large clock that was perched awkwardly on top of a pile of sheets in the washing basket at the end of the table . [Harry]136-harry recognized it at once : It had nine hands , each inscribed with the name of [a family member]4569-a family member , and usually hung on [i]220-mr. weasley [he]220-mr. weasley [Weasleys]219-the weasleys ' sitting room wall , though [its]4765-its current position suggested that [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid had taken to carrying it around [the house]4472-the house with [her]218-hagrid . Every single one of its nine hands was now pointing at "[220-mr. weasley] mortal peril . " "[220-mr. weasley] It 's been like that for a while now , " said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , in an un - convincingly casual voice , "[220-mr. weasley] ever since [You]1164-you - Know - Who came back into the open . [I]0-i suppose [everybody]4716-everybody 's in mortal danger now . ... [I]0-i do n't think it can be just [[our]1166-our family]1167-our family . . . but [I]0-i do n't know [anyone else who 's got a clock like this]1168-anyone else who 's got a clock like this , so [I]0-i ca n't check . Oh ! " With a sudden exclamation [she]218-hagrid pointed at the clock 's face . [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley 's hand had switched to "[0-i] traveling . " "[1169-he] [He]1169-he 's coming ! " And sure enough , a moment later there was a knock on the back door . [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid jumped up and hurried to it ; with one hand on the doorknob and [her]218-hagrid face pressed against the wood [she]218-hagrid called softly , "[223-molly] [Arthur]223-molly , is that [you]223-molly ? " "[223-molly] Yes , " came [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley 's weary voice . "[223-molly] But [I]0-i would say that even if [I]0-i were [a Death Eater]4651-a death eater , [dear]4656-dear . Ask the question ! " "[223-molly] Oh , honestly ... " "[223-molly] [Molly]223-molly ! " "[223-molly] All right , all right . . . What is [your]4656-dear dearest ambition ? " "[4656-dear] To find out how airplanes stay up . " [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid nodded and turned the doorknob , but apparently [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley was holding tight to it on the other side , because the door remained firmly shut . "[223-molly] [Molly]223-molly ! [I]0-i 've got to ask [you]223-molly [your]223-molly question first ! " "[0-i] [Arthur]223-molly , really , this is just silly . ... " "[223-molly] What do [you]223-molly like [me]0-i to call [you]223-molly when [we]1172-we 're alone together ? " Even by the dim light of the lantern [Harry]136-harry could tell that [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid had turned bright red ; [he]136-harry [himself]136-harry felt suddenly warm around the ears and neck , and hastily gulped soup , clattering [his]136-harry spoon as loudly as [he]136-harry could against the bowl . -=-"Mollywobbles[223-molly] , " whispered a mortified [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid into the crack at the edge of the door . "[223-molly] Correct , " said [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley . "[223-molly] Now [you]223-molly can let [me]0-i in . " [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid opened the door to reveal [[her]218-hagrid husband]4767-her husband , [a thin , balding , red - haired wizard wearing horn - rimmed spectacles and a long and dusty traveling cloak]4768-a thin , balding , red - haired wizard wearing horn - rimmed spectacles and a long and dusty traveling cloak . "[223-molly] [I]0-i still do n't see why [we]1172-we have to go through that every time [you]223-molly come [home]1044-home , " said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , still pink in the face as [she]218-hagrid helped [[her]218-hagrid husband]4767-her husband out of [his]4767-her husband cloak . "[1172-we] [I]0-i mean , [a Death Eater]4651-a death eater might have forced the answer out of [you]223-molly before impersonating [you]223-molly ! " "[4651-a death eater] [I]0-i know , [dear]4656-dear , but it 's Ministry procedure , and [I]0-i have to set an example . Something smells good ? onion soup ? " [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley turned hopefully in the direction of the table . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry ! [We]1172-we did n't expect [you]136-harry until morning ! " [They]1172-we shook hands , and [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley dropped into the chair beside [Harry]136-harry as [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid set a bowl of soup in front of [him]136-harry too . "[1172-we] Thanks , [Molly]223-molly . It 's been a tough night . [Some idiot]1176-some idiot 's started selling Metamorph - Medals . Just sling them around [your]223-molly neck and [you]223-molly 'll be able to change [your]223-molly appearance at will . A hundred thousand disguises , all for ten Galleons ! " "[0-i] And what really happens when [you]0-i put them on ? " "[0-i] Mostly [you]223-molly just turn a fairly unpleasant orange color , but [a couple of [people]681-people]1177-a couple of people have also sprouted tentacle like warts all over [their]1177-a couple of people bodies . As if [St. Mungo]150-st. mungo 's did n't have enough to do already ! " "[150-st. mungo] It sounds like the sort of thing [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george would find funny , " said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid hesitantly . "[233-george] Are [you]0-i sure ? ? " "[0-i] Of course [I]0-i am ! " said [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley . "[1179-the boys] [The boys]1179-the boys would n't do anything like that now , not when [people]681-people are desperate for protection ! " "[1179-the boys] So is that why [you]0-i 're late , [Metamorph - Medals]234-metamorph - medals ? " "[234-metamorph - medals] No , [we]1181-we got wind of a nasty backfiring jinx down in [Elephant and Castle]33-elephant and castle , but luckily [the Magical Law Enforcement Squad]4573-the magical law enforcement squad had sorted it out by the time [we]1181-we got [there]4506-there . ... " [Harry]136-harry stifled a yawn behind [his]136-harry hand . "[0-i] Bed , " said an undeceived [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid at once . "[0-i] [I]0-i 've got [Fred]232-fred and [[George]233-george 's room]1184-george 's room all ready for [you]0-i , [you]0-i 'll have it to [yourself]0-i . " "[233-george] Why , where are [they]1185-they ? " "[1185-they] Oh , [they]1185-they 're in [Diagon Alley]34-diagon alley , sleeping in [the little flat over [[their]1185-they joke shop]1187-their joke shop]1186-the little flat over their joke shop as [they]1185-they 're so busy , " said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid . "[0-i] [I]0-i must say , [I]0-i did n't approve at first , but [they]1185-they do seem to have a bit of a flair for business ! Come on , [dear]4656-dear , [your]4656-dear trunks already up there . " "[220-mr. weasley] ' Night , [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley , " said [Harry]136-harry , pushing back [his]136-harry chair . [Crookshanks]230-crookshanks leapt lightly from [his]136-harry lap and slunk out of [the room]685-the room . "[220-mr. weasley] G'night , [Harry]136-harry , " said [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley . [Harry]136-harry saw [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid glance at the clock in the washing basket as [they]1185-they left [the kitchen]1147-the kitchen . [All the hands]4772-all the hands were once again at "[136-harry] mortal peril . " [Fred]232-fred and [[George]233-george 's bedroom]4773-george 's bedroom was on [the second floor]4774-the second floor . [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid pointed [her]218-hagrid wand at a lamp on the bedside table and it ignited at once , bathing [the room]685-the room in a pleasant golden glow . Though a large vase of flowers had been placed on a desk in front of the small window , their perfume could not disguise the lingering smell of what [Harry]136-harry thought was gunpowder . A considerable amount of floor space was devoted to a vast number of unmarked , sealed cardboard boxes , amongst which stood [Harry]136-harry 's school trunk . [The room]685-the room looked as though [it]685-the room was being used as [a temporary warehouse]4777-a temporary warehouse . [Hedwig]178-hedwig hooted happily at [Harry]136-harry from [her]178-hedwig perch on top of a large wardrobe , then took off through the window ; [Harry]136-harry knew [she]178-hedwig had been waiting to see [him]136-harry before going hunting . [Harry]136-harry bade [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid good night , put on pajamas , and got into one of the beds . There was something hard inside the pillowcase . [He]136-harry groped inside it and pulled out a sticky purple - and - orange sweet , which [he]136-harry recognized as a Puking Pastille . Smiling to [himself]136-harry , [he]136-harry rolled over and was instantly asleep . Seconds later , or so it seemed to [Harry]136-harry , [he]136-harry was awakened by what sounded like cannon fire as the door burst open . Sitting bolt upright , [he]136-harry heard the rasp of the curtains being pulled back : The dazzling sunlight seemed to poke [him]136-harry hard in both eyes . Shielding them with one hand , [he]136-harry groped hopelessly for [his]136-harry glasses with the other . "[136-harry] Wuzzgoinon ? " "[136-harry] [We]1189-we did n't know [you]1190-you were [here]4439-here already ! " said a loud and excited voice , and [he]136-harry received a sharp blow to the top of the head . "[229-ron] [Ron]229-ron , do n't hit [him]1190-you ! " said [a girl]4778-a girl 's voice reproachfully . [Harry]136-harry 's hand found [his]136-harry glasses and [he]136-harry shoved them on , though [I]1190-you [he]136-harry light was so bright [he]136-harry could hardly see anyway . A long , looming shadow quivered in front of [him]136-harry for a moment ; [he]136-harry blinked and [Ron Weasley]217-ron came into focus , grinning down at [him]136-harry . "[1190-you] All right ? " "[1190-you] Never been better , " said [Harry]136-harry , rubbing the top of [his]136-harry head and slumping back onto [his]136-harry pillows . "[1190-you] [You]1190-you ? " "[1190-you] Not bad , " said [Ron]217-ron , pulling over a cardboard box and sitting on it . "[1190-you] When did [you]1190-you get [here]4439-here ? [Mum]235-mum 's only just told [us]1193-us ! " "[235-mum] About one o'clock this morning . " "[235-mum] Were [the Muggles]143-muggles all right ? Did [they]143-muggles treat [you]1190-you okay ? " "[143-muggles] Same as usual , " said [Harry]136-harry , as [Hermione]194-hermione perched [herself]194-hermione on the edge of [his]136-harry bed , "[143-muggles] [they]143-muggles did n't talk to [me]0-i much , but [I]0-i like it better that way . How 're [you]1190-you , [Hermione]194-hermione ? " "[1190-you] Oh , [I]0-i 'm fine , " said [Hermione]194-hermione , who was scrutinizing [Harry]136-harry as though [he]136-harry was sickening for something . [He]0-i thought [he]0-i knew what was behind this , and as [he]0-i had no wish to discuss [Sirius]144-sirius 's death or any other miserable subject at the moment , [he]0-i said , "[0-i] What 's the time ? Have [I]0-i missed breakfast ? " "[235-mum] Do n't worry about that , [Mum]235-mum 's bringing [you]0-i up a tray ; [she]235-mum reckons [you]0-i look underfed , " said [Ron]217-ron , rolling [his]217-ron eyes . "[235-mum] So , what 's been going on ? " "[235-mum] Nothing much , [I]0-i 've just been stuck at [[my]0-i aunt]1194-my aunt and [uncle]987-uncle 's , have n't [I]0-i ? " "[0-i] Come off it ! " said [Ron]217-ron . "[0-i] [You]0-i 've been off with [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ! " "[146-dumbledore] It was n't that exciting . [He]146-dumbledore just wanted [me]0-i to help [him]146-dumbledore persuade [this old teacher]1196-this old teacher to come out of retirement . [His]146-dumbledore name 's [Horace Slughorn]193-slughorn . " "[193-slughorn] Oh , " said [Ron]217-ron , looking disappointed . "[1197-we] [We]1197-we thought ? quot ; [Hermione]194-hermione flashed a warning look at [Ron]217-ron , and [Ron]217-ron changed tack at top speed . " — [we]1197-we thought it 'd be something like that . "[217-ron] " [You]136-harry did ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , amused . " Yeah . . . yeah , now [Umbridge]201-dolores umbridge has left , obviously [we]1197-we need a new Defense Against [the Dark Arts teacher]4779-the dark arts teacher , do n't [we]1197-we ? So , er , what 's [he]146-dumbledore like ? "[136-harry] " [He]146-dumbledore looks a bit like a walrus , and [he]146-dumbledore used to be [Head of [Slytherin]204-slytherin]4692-head of slytherin , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Something wrong , [Hermione]194-hermione ? "[136-harry] [She]194-hermione was watching [him]217-ron as though expecting strange symptoms to manifest themselves at any moment . [She]194-hermione rearranged [her]194-hermione features hastily in an unconvincing smile . " No , of course not ! So , um , did [Slughorn]193-slughorn seem like [he]146-dumbledore 'll be [a good teacher]4781-a good teacher ? "[194-hermione] " Dunno , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [He]146-dumbledore ca n't be worse than [Umbridge]201-dolores umbridge , can [he]146-dumbledore ? "[136-harry] " [I]194-hermione know [someone who 's worse than [Umbridge]201-dolores umbridge]4782-someone who 's worse than umbridge , "[194-hermione] said a voice from the doorway . [[Ron]217-ron 's younger sister]1198-ron 's younger sister slouched into [the room]685-the room , looking irritable . " Hi , [Harry]136-harry . "[217-ron] " What 's up with [you]217-ron ? "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron asked . " It 's [her]1198-ron 's younger sister , "[236-ginny] said [Ginny]236-ginny , plonking [herself]236-ginny down on [Harry]136-harry 's bed . " [She]1198-ron 's younger sister 's driving [me]236-ginny mad . "[236-ginny] " What 's [she]1198-ron 's younger sister done now ? "[194-hermione] asked [Hermione]194-hermione sympathetically . " It 's the way [she]1198-ron 's younger sister talks to [me]194-hermione ? [you]136-harry 'd think [I]194-hermione was about three ! "[194-hermione] " [I]194-hermione know , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , dropping [her]194-hermione voice . " [She]1198-ron 's younger sister 's so full of [herself]1198-ron 's younger sister . "[194-hermione] [Harry]136-harry was astonished to hear [Hermione]194-hermione talking about [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid like this and could not blame [Ron]217-ron for saying angrily , " Ca n't [you]136-harry two lay off [her]1198-ron 's younger sister for five seconds ? "[217-ron] " Oh , that 's right , defend [her]1198-ron 's younger sister , "[236-ginny] snapped [Ginny]236-ginny . " [We]136-harry all know [you]136-harry ca n't get enough of [her]1198-ron 's younger sister . "[236-ginny] This seemed an odd comment to make about [[Ron]217-ron 's mother]1200-ron 's mother . Starting to feel that [he]136-harry was missing something , [Harry]136-harry said , " Who are [you]1201-a young woman ? ? "[136-harry] But [his]136-harry question was answered before [he]136-harry could finish it . The bedroom door flew open again , and [Harry]136-harry instinctively yanked the bedcovers up to [his]136-harry chin so hard that [Hermione]194-hermione and [Ginny]236-ginny slid off the bed onto the floor . [A young woman]1201-a young woman was standing in the doorway , [a woman of such breathtaking beauty]1202-a woman of such breathtaking beauty that [the room]685-the room seemed to have become strangely airless . [She]1201-a young woman was tall and willowy with long blonde hair and appeared to emanate a faint , silvery glow . To complete this vision of perfection , [she]1201-a young woman was carrying a heavily laden breakfast tray . " ' [Arry]237-arry , "[1201-a young woman] [she]1201-a young woman said in a throaty voice . " [Eet]237-arry ' as been too long ! "[1201-a young woman] As [she]1201-a young woman swept over the threshold toward [him]136-harry , [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid was revealed , bobbing along in [her]1201-a young woman wake , looking rather cross . " There was no need to bring up the tray , [I]218-hagrid was just about to do it [myself]218-hagrid ! "[218-hagrid] " [Eet]237-arry was no trouble , "[238-fleur] said [Fleur Delacour]238-fleur , setting the tray across [Harry]136-harry 's knees and then swooping to kiss [him]136-harry on each cheek : [He]136-harry felt the places where [her]238-fleur mouth had touched [him]136-harry burn . " [I]136-harry ' ave been longing to see [-=-'itn]239--=-'itn . [You]136-harry remember [[my]136-harry seester]4783-my seester , [Gabrielle]240-gabrielle ? [She]4783-my seester never stops talking about ' [Arry Potter]237-arry . [She]4783-my seester will be delighted to see [you]136-harry again . "[136-harry] " Oh ... is [she]4783-my seester here too ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry croaked . " No , no , [silly boy]4784-silly boy , "[238-fleur] said [Fleur]238-fleur with a tinkling laugh , " [I]238-fleur mean next summer , when [we]4785-we ? but do [you]136-harry not know ? "[238-fleur] [Her]238-fleur great blue eyes widened and [she]238-fleur looked reproachfully at [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , who said , " [We]4785-we had n't got around to telling [him]136-harry yet . "[238-fleur] [Fleur]238-fleur turned back to [Harry]136-harry , swinging [her]238-fleur silvery sheet of hair so that it whipped [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid across the face . " [Bill]241-bill and [I]238-fleur are going to be married ! "[238-fleur] " Oh , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry blankly . [He]136-harry could not help noticing how [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , [Hermione]194-hermione , and [Ginny]236-ginny were all determinedly avoiding [one another]4600-one another 's gaze . " Wow . Er ? congratulations ! "[238-fleur] [She]238-fleur swooped down upon [him]136-harry and kissed [him]136-harry again . " [Bill]241-bill is very busy at ze moment , working very ' ard , and [I]238-fleur only work part - time at [Gringotts]22-gringotts for [my]238-fleur Eenglish , so [he]241-bill brought [me]238-fleur ' ere for a few days to get to know ' is [family]4566-family properly . [I]238-fleur was so pleased to ' ear [you]136-harry would be coming ? [zere]4787-zere is n't much to do ' ere , unless [you]136-harry like cooking and chickens ! Well ? enjoy [your]136-harry breakfast , ' [Arry]237-arry ! "[238-fleur] With these words [she]238-fleur turned gracefully and seemed to float out of [the room]685-the room , closing the door quietly behind [her]238-fleur . [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid made a noise that sounded like -=-"tchah ! "[218-hagrid] " [Mum]235-mum hates [her]235-mum , "[236-ginny] said [Ginny]236-ginny quietly . " [I]218-hagrid do not hate [her]235-mum ! "[218-hagrid] said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid in a cross whisper . " [I]218-hagrid just think [they]4788-they 've hurried into this engagement , that 's all ! "[218-hagrid] " [They]4788-they 've known [each other]4377-each other a year , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , who looked oddly groggy and was staring at the closed door . " Well , that 's not very long ! [I]217-ron know why it 's happened , of course . Its all this uncertainty with [You]218-hagrid - Know - Who coming back , [people]681-people think [they]681-people might be dead tomorrow , so [they]681-people 're rushing all sorts of decisions [they]681-people 'd normally take time over . It was the same last time [he]4684-your father was powerful , [people]681-people eloping left , right , and center ? quot ; "[217-ron] Including [you]218-hagrid and [Dad]242-dad , " said [Ginny]236-ginny slyly . "[218-hagrid] Yes , well , [[your]218-hagrid father]4684-your father and [I]0-i were made for each other , what was the point in waiting ? " said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid . "[241-bill] [Whereas Bill]241-bill and [Fleur]238-fleur . . . well . . . what have [they]1207-they really got in common ? [He]1208-he 's [a hardworking , down - to - earth sort of person]1209-a hardworking , down - to - earth sort of person , whereas [she]1210-she 's ? quot ; " [A cow]4792-a cow , "[236-ginny] said [Ginny]236-ginny , nodding . " But [Bill]241-bill 's not that down - to - earth . [He]241-bill 's [a Curse - Breaker]4793-a curse - breaker , is n't [he]241-bill , [he]241-bill likes a bit of adventure , a bit of glamour . ... [I]236-ginny expect that 's why [he]241-bill 's gone for [Phlegm]136-harry . "[236-ginny] " Stop calling [her]1210-she that , [Ginny]236-ginny , "[218-hagrid] said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid sharply , as [Harry]136-harry and [Hermione]194-hermione laughed . " Well , [I]1210-she 'd better get on . ... Eat [your]136-harry eggs while they 're warm , [Harry]136-harry . "[1210-she] Looking careworn , [she]1210-she left [the room]685-the room . [Ron]217-ron still seemed slightly punch - drunk ; [he]217-ron was shaking [his]217-ron head experimentally like a dog trying to rid its ears of water . " Do n't [you]136-harry get used to [her]1210-she if [she]1210-she 's staying in [the same house]4794-the same house ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry asked . " Well , [you]136-harry do , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , " but if [she]1210-she jumps out at [you]136-harry unexpectedly , like then ... "[217-ron] " It 's pathetic , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione furiously , striding away from [Ron]217-ron as far as [she]194-hermione could go and turning to face [him]217-ron with [her]194-hermione arms folded once [she]194-hermione had reached the wall . " [You]217-ron do n't really want [her]1210-she around forever ? "[236-ginny] [Ginny]236-ginny asked [Ron]217-ron incredulously . When [he]217-ron merely shrugged , [she]236-ginny said , " Well , [Mum]235-mum 's going to put a stop to it if [she]235-mum can , [I]236-ginny bet [you]217-ron anything . "[236-ginny] " How 's [she]1210-she going to manage that ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry . " [She]1210-she keeps trying to get [Tonks]226-tonks round for dinner . [I]136-harry think [she]1210-she 's hoping [Bill]241-bill will fall for [Tonks]226-tonks instead . [I]136-harry hope [he]241-bill does , [I]136-harry 'd much rather have [her]1210-she in [the family]4795-the family . "[136-harry] " Yeah , that 'll work , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron sarcastically . " Listen , [no bloke in [his]4796-no bloke in his right mind right mind]4796-no bloke in his right mind 's going to fancy [Tonks]226-tonks when [Fleur]238-fleur 's around . [I]217-ron mean , [Tonks]226-tonks is okay - looking when [she]1212-she is n't doing stupid things to [her]1212-she hair and [her]1212-she nose , but ? quot ; "[217-ron] [She]1212-she 's a damn sight nicer than [Phlegm]136-harry ? said [Ginny]236-ginny . " And [she]1212-she 's more intelligent , [she]1212-she 's [an Auror]4464-an auror ! "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione from the corner . " [Fleur]238-fleur 's not stupid , [she]238-fleur was good enough to enter [the Triwizard Tournament]36-the triwizard tournament , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Not [you]136-harry as well ! "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione bitterly . " [I]236-ginny suppose [you]136-harry like the way [Phlegm]136-harry says ' ' Any , ' do [you]136-harry ? "[236-ginny] asked [Ginny]236-ginny scornfully . " No , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , wishing [he]136-harry had n't spoken , " [I]136-harry was just saying , [Phlegm]136-harry ? [I]136-harry mean , [Fleur]238-fleur ? quot ; "[136-harry] [I]0-i 'd much rather have [Tonks]226-tonks in [the family]4795-the family , " said [Ginny]236-ginny . "[0-i] At least [she]226-tonks 's a laugh . " "[226-tonks] [She]226-tonks has n't been much of a laugh lately , " said [Ron]217-ron . "[226-tonks] Every time [I]0-i 've seen [her]226-tonks [she]226-tonks 's looked more like [Moaning Myrtle]243-moaning myrtle . " "[226-tonks] That 's not fair , " snapped [Hermione]194-hermione . "[226-tonks] [She]226-tonks still has n't got over what happened . . . [you]136-harry know ... [I]0-i mean , [he]1214-he was [[her]226-tonks cousin]1215-her cousin ! " [Harry]136-harry 's heart sank . [They]4798-they had arrived at [Sirius]144-sirius . [He]136-harry picked up a fork and began shoveling scrambled eggs into [his]136-harry mouth , hoping to deflect any invitation to join in this part of the conversation . "[1214-he] [Tonks]226-tonks and [Sirius]144-sirius barely knew [each other]4377-each other ! " said [Ron]217-ron . "[144-sirius] [Sirius]144-sirius was in [Azkaban]3-azkaban half [her]226-tonks life and before that [[their]1217-their families]1218-their families never met ? quot ; " That 's not the point , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione . " [She]226-tonks thinks it was [her]226-tonks limit [he]144-sirius died ! "[194-hermione] " How does [she]226-tonks work that one out ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry , in spite of [himself]136-harry . " Well , [she]226-tonks was fighting [Bellatrix Lestrange]157-bellatrix , was n't [she]226-tonks ? [I]136-harry think [she]226-tonks feels that if only [she]226-tonks had finished [her]226-tonks off , [Bellatrix]157-bellatrix could n't have killed [Sirius]144-sirius . "[136-harry] " That 's stupid , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron . " It 's [survivor]4799-survivor 's guilt , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione . " [I]194-hermione know [Lupin]227-lupin 's tried to talk [her]226-tonks round , but [she]226-tonks 's still really down . [She]226-tonks 's actually having trouble with [her]226-tonks Metamorphosing ! "[194-hermione] " With [her]226-tonks ? "[136-harry] " [She]226-tonks ca n't change [her]226-tonks appearance like [she]226-tonks used to , "[194-hermione] explained [Hermione]194-hermione . " [I]194-hermione think [her]226-tonks powers must have been affected by shock , or something . "[194-hermione] " [I]136-harry did n't know that could happen , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Nor did [I]194-hermione , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , " but [I]194-hermione suppose if [you]136-harry 're really depressed ... "[194-hermione] The door opened again and [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid popped [her]218-hagrid head in . " [Ginny]236-ginny , "[218-hagrid] [she]218-hagrid whispered , " come [downstairs]4615-downstairs and help [me]218-hagrid with the lunch . "[218-hagrid] " [I]236-ginny 'm talking to [this lot]4801-this lot ! "[236-ginny] said [Ginny]236-ginny , outraged . " Now ! "[218-hagrid] said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , and withdrew . " [She]218-hagrid only wants [me]236-ginny [there]4506-there so [she]218-hagrid does n't have to be alone with [Phlegm]136-harry ! "[236-ginny] said [Ginny]236-ginny crossly . [She]236-ginny swung [her]236-ginny long red hair around in a very good imitation of [Fleur]238-fleur and pranced across [the room]685-the room with [her]236-ginny arms held aloft like [a ballerina]1220-a ballerina . " [[You]136-harry lot]4803-you lot had better come down quickly too , "[236-ginny] [she]236-ginny said as [she]236-ginny left . [Harry]136-harry took advantage of the temporary silence to eat more breakfast . [Hermione]194-hermione was peering into [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george 's boxes , though every now and then [she]194-hermione cast sideways looks at [Harry]136-harry . [Ron]217-ron , who was now helping [himself]217-ron to [Harry]136-harry ’s toast , was still gazing dreamily at the door . " What 's this ? "[217-ron] [Hermione]194-hermione asked eventually , holding up what looked like a small telescope . " Dunno , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , " but if [Fred]232-fred and [-=-GeorgeVe]244--=-georgeve left it [here]4439-here , it 's probably not ready for [the joke shop]4805-the joke shop yet , so be careful "[217-ron] " [[Your]136-harry mum]4806-your mum said [the shop]4807-the shop 's going well , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Said [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george have got a real flair for business . "[136-harry] " That 's an understatement , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron . " [They]4808-they 're raking in [the Galleons]38-the galleons ! [I]217-ron ca n't wait to see [the place]4424-the place , [we]4810-we have n't been to [Diagon Alley]34-diagon alley yet , because [Mum]235-mum says [Dad]242-dad 's got to be [there]4506-there for extra security and [he]242-dad 's been really busy at work , but it sounds excellent . "[217-ron] " And what about [Percy]245-percy ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry ; [the third - eldest Weasley brother]1221-the third - eldest weasley brother had fallen out with [the rest of [the family]4795-the family]1222-the rest of the family . " Is [he]245-percy talking to [[your]136-harry mum]4806-your mum and [dad]4813-dad again ? "[136-harry] " Nope , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron . " But [he]245-percy knows [[your]217-ron dad]4814-your dad was right all along now about [Voldemort]192-voldemort being back ? quot ; "[217-ron] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore says [people]681-people find it far easier to forgive [others]4568-others for being wrong than being right , " said [Hermione]194-hermione . "[146-dumbledore] [I]0-i heard [him]146-dumbledore telling [[your]217-ron mum]4806-your mum , [Ron]217-ron . " "[217-ron] Sounds like the sort of mental thing [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore would say , " said [Ron]217-ron . "[146-dumbledore] [He]146-dumbledore 's going to be giving [me]0-i private lessons this year , " said [Harry]136-harry conversationally . [Ron]217-ron choked on [his]217-ron bit of toast , and [Hermione]194-hermione gasped . "[146-dumbledore] [You]217-ron kept that quiet ! " said [Ron]217-ron . "[217-ron] [I]0-i only just remembered , " said [Harry]136-harry honestly . "[146-dumbledore] [He]146-dumbledore told [me]0-i last night in [[your]217-ron broom shed]1227-your broom shed . " "[146-dumbledore] [Blimey]246-blimey . . . private lessons with [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ! " said [Ron]217-ron , looking impressed . "[146-dumbledore] [I]0-i wonder why [he]146-dumbledore 's . . . ? " [His]217-ron voice tailed away . [Harry]136-harry saw [him]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione exchange looks . [Harry]136-harry laid down [his]136-harry knife and fork , [his]136-harry heart beating rather fast considering that all [he]136-harry was doing was sitting in bed . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had said to do it . ... Why not now ? [He]136-harry fixed [his]136-harry eyes on [his]136-harry fork , which was gleaming in the sunlight streaming into [his]136-harry lap , and said , "[146-dumbledore] [I]0-i do n't know exactly why [he]146-dumbledore 's going to be giving [me]0-i lessons , but [I]0-i think it must be because of the prophecy . " Neither [Ron]217-ron nor [Hermione]194-hermione spoke . [Harry]136-harry had the impression that both had frozen . [He]136-harry continued , still speaking to [his]136-harry fork , "[1228-you] [You]1228-you know , the one [they]1229-they were trying to steal at [the Ministry]4400-the ministry . " "[1228-you] [Nobody]687-nobody knows what it said , though , " said [Hermione]194-hermione quickly . "[1232-it] [It]1232-it got smashed . " "[217-ron] Although [the Prophet]247-the prophet says ? quot ; began [Ron]217-ron , but [Hermione]194-hermione said , " Shh ! "[194-hermione] " [The Prophet]247-the prophet 's got it right , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , looking up at [them]1229-they both with a great effort : [Hermione]194-hermione seemed frightened and [Ron]217-ron amazed . " That glass ball that smashed was n't the only record of the prophecy . [I]136-harry heard the whole thing in [[Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's office]4815-dumbledore 's office , [he]146-dumbledore was [the one the prophecy]4816-the one the prophecy was made to , so [he]146-dumbledore could tell [me]136-harry . From what it said , "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry took a deep breath , " it looks like [I]136-harry 'm the one who 's got to finish off [Voldemort]192-voldemort . ... At least , it said neither of [us]1229-they could live while [the other]844-the other survives . "[136-harry] [The three of them]1233-the three of them gazed at [one another]4600-one another in silence for a moment . Then there was a loud bang and [Hermione]194-hermione vanished behind a puff of black smoke . " [Hermione]194-hermione ! "[136-harry] shouted [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron ; the breakfast tray slid to the floor with a crash . [Hermione]194-hermione emerged , coughing , out of the smoke , clutching the telescope and sporting a brilliantly purple black eye . " [I]194-hermione squeezed it and it ? it punched [me]194-hermione ! "[194-hermione] [she]194-hermione gasped . And sure enough , [they]1233-the three of them now saw a tiny fist on a long spring protruding from the end of the telescope . " Do n't worry , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , who was plainly trying not to laugh , " [Mum'll]248-mum'll fix that , [she]248-mum'll 's good at healing minor injuries ? quot ; "[217-ron] Oh well , never mind that now ! " said [Hermione]194-hermione hastily . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry , oh , [Harry]136-harry . . . " [She]194-hermione sat down on the edge of [his]136-harry bed again . "[136-harry] [We]1233-the three of them wondered , after [we]1233-the three of them got back from [the Ministry]4400-the ministry . . . Obviously , [we]1233-the three of them did n't want to say anything to [you]136-harry , but from what [Lucius Malfoy]164-lucius said about the prophecy , how it was about [you]136-harry and [Voldemort]192-voldemort , well , [we]1233-the three of them thought it might be something like this . . . . Oh , [Harry]136-harry . . . " [She]194-hermione stared at [him]136-harry , then whispered , "[136-harry] Are [you]136-harry scared ? " "[0-i] Not as much as [I]0-i was , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[0-i] When [I]0-i first heard it , [I]0-i was . . . but now , it seems as though [I]0-i always knew [I]0-i 'd have to face [him]192-voldemort in the end . . . . " "[192-voldemort] When [we]1233-the three of them heard [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was collecting [you]136-harry in person , [we]1233-the three of them thought [he]146-dumbledore might be telling [you]136-harry something or showing [you]136-harry something to do with the prophecy , " said [Ron]217-ron eagerly . "[146-dumbledore] And [we]1233-the three of them were kind of right , were n't [we]1233-the three of them ? [He]146-dumbledore would n't be giving [you]136-harry lessons if [he]146-dumbledore thought [you]136-harry were [a goner]1236-a goner , would n't waste [his]146-dumbledore time ? [he]146-dumbledore must think [you]136-harry 've got a chance ! " "[146-dumbledore] That 's true , " said [Hermione]194-hermione . "[146-dumbledore] 1 wonder what [he]146-dumbledore 'll teach [you]136-harry , [Harry]136-harry ? Really advanced defensive magic , probably . . . powerful countercurses . . . anti - jinxes . . . " [Harry]136-harry did not really listen . A warmth was spreading through [him]136-harry that had nothing to do with the sunlight ; a tight obstruction in [his]136-harry chest seemed to be dissolving . [He]136-harry knew that [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione were more shocked than [they]4818-they were letting on , but the mere fact that [they]4818-they were still there on either side of [him]136-harry , speaking bracing words of comfort , not shrinking from [him]136-harry as though [he]136-harry were contaminated or dangerous , was worth more than [he]136-harry could ever tell [them]4818-they . "[146-dumbledore] ... and evasive enchantments generally , " concluded [Hermione]194-hermione . "[146-dumbledore] Well , at least [you]136-harry know one lesson [you]136-harry 'll be having this year , that 's one more than [Ron]217-ron and [me]0-i . [I]0-i wonder when [our]1237-our OWL results will come ? " "[0-i] Ca nt be long now , it 's been a month , " said [Ron]217-ron . "[0-i] Hang on , " said [Harry]136-harry , as another part of last night 's conversation came back to [him]136-harry . "[0-i] [I]0-i think [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore said [our]1237-our OWL results would be arriving today ! " "[146-dumbledore] Today ? " shrieked [Hermione]194-hermione . "[146-dumbledore] Today ? But why did n't [you]136-harry ? oh [[my]0-i God]1238-my god ? [you]136-harry should have said ? quot ; [She]1239-her leapt to [her]1239-her feet . " [I]1239-her 'm going to see whether any owls have come . ... "[1239-her] But when [Harry]136-harry arrived [downstairs]4615-downstairs ten minutes later , fully dressed and carrying [his]136-harry empty breakfast tray , it was to find [Hermione]194-hermione sitting at the [kitchen]1241-kitchen table in great agitation , while [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid tried to lessen [her]194-hermione resemblance to half a panda . " It just wo n't budge , "[218-hagrid] [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid was saying anxiously , standing over [Hermione]194-hermione with [her]1239-her wand in [her]1239-her hand and a copy of The Healer 's Helpmate open at " Bruises , Cuts , and Abrasions . "[218-hagrid] " This has always worked before , [I]218-hagrid just ca n't understand it . "[218-hagrid] " It 'll be [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george 's idea of a funny joke , making sure it ca n't come off , "[236-ginny] said [Ginny]236-ginny . " But it 's got to come off ! "[194-hermione] squeaked [Hermione]194-hermione . " [I]194-hermione ca n't go around looking like this forever ! "[194-hermione] " [You]194-hermione wo n't , [dear]4656-dear , [we]4820-we 'll find an antidote , do n't worry , "[218-hagrid] said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid soothingly . " [Bill]241-bill told [me]238-fleur W [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george are very amusing ! "[238-fleur] said [Fleur]238-fleur , smiling serenely . " Yes , [I]194-hermione can hardly breathe for laughing , "[194-hermione] snapped [Hermione]194-hermione . [She]194-hermione jumped up and started walking round and round [the kitchen]1147-the kitchen , twisting [her]194-hermione fingers together . " [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , [you]218-hagrid 're quite , quite sure no owls have arrived this morning ? "[194-hermione] " Yes , [dear]4656-dear , [I]218-hagrid 'd have noticed , "[218-hagrid] said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid patiently . " But it 's barely nine , there 's still plenty of time . . . . "[218-hagrid] " [I]194-hermione know [I]194-hermione messed up [Ancient Runes]249-ancient runes , "[194-hermione] muttered [Hermione]194-hermione feverishly , " [I]194-hermione definitely made at least one serious mistranslation . And the Defense Against [the Dark Arts practical]250-the dark arts was no good at all . [I]194-hermione thought Transfiguration went all right at the time , but looking back ? quot ; "[194-hermione] [Hermione]194-hermione , will [you]194-hermione shut up , [you]194-hermione 're not the only one who 's nervous ! " barked [Ron]217-ron . "[194-hermione] And when [you]194-hermione 've got [your]194-hermione eleven ' Outstanding Oils .. . " "[194-hermione] Do n't , do n't , do n't ! " said [Hermione]194-hermione , flapping [her]194-hermione hands hysterically . "[0-i] [I]0-i know [I]0-i 've failed everything ! " "[194-hermione] What happens if [we]1243-we fail ? " [Harry]136-harry asked [the room]685-the room at large , but it was again [Hermione]194-hermione who answered . "[1243-we] [We]1243-we discuss [our]1243-we options with [[our]1243-we Head of [House]1245-house]1244-our head of house , [I]0-i asked [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall at the end of last term . " [Harry]136-harry 's stomach squirmed . [He]136-harry wished [he]136-harry had eaten less breakfast . "[0-i] At [Beauxbatons]252-beauxbatons , " said [Fleur]238-fleur complacently , "[0-i] [we]1243-we ' ad a different way of doing things . [I]0-i think eet was better . [We]1243-we sat [our]1243-we examinations after six years of study , not five , and then ? quot ; [Fleur]238-fleur 's words were drowned in a scream . [Hermione]194-hermione was pointing through the kitchen window . Three black specks were clearly visible in the sky , growing larger all the time . " They 're definitely owls , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron hoarsely , jumping up to join [Hermione]194-hermione at the window . " And there are three of [them]1246-them , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , hastening to [her]194-hermione other side . " One for each of [us]1243-we , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione in a terrified whisper . " Oh no ... oh no ... oh no ... "[194-hermione] [She]194-hermione gripped both [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron tightly around the elbows . The owls were flying directly at the Burrow , three handsome tawnies , each of which , it became clear as [they]1246-them flew lower over the path leading up to [the house]4472-the house , was carrying a large square envelope . " Oh no ! "[194-hermione] squealed [Hermione]194-hermione . [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid squeezed past [them]1243-we and opened the [kitchen]1241-kitchen window . One , two , three , the owls soared through it and landed on the table in a neat line . [All three of them]1249-all three of them lifted [their]1249-all three of them right legs . [Harry]136-harry moved forward . The letter addressed to [him]136-harry was tied to the leg of the owl in the middle . [He]136-harry untied it with fumbling fingers . To [his]136-harry left , [Ron]217-ron was trying to detach [his]217-ron own results ; to [his]136-harry right , [Hermione]194-hermione 's hands were shaking so much [she]194-hermione was making [her]194-hermione whole owl tremble . [[Nobody]687-nobody in [the kitchen]1147-the kitchen]1251-nobody in the kitchen spoke . At last , [Harry]136-harry managed to detach the envelope . [He]136-harry slit it open quickly and unfolded the parchment inside . Ordinary Wizarding Level Results Pass Grades Outstanding ( O ) Exceeds Expectations ( E ) Acceptable ( A ) Fail Grades [Poor ( P ) Dreadful ( D ) Troll]1253-poor ( p ) dreadful ( d ) troll ( T ) [Harry James Potter]136-harry has achieved : Astronomy A Care of Magical Creatures E Charms E Defense Against [the Dark Arts O Divination P Herbology]40-the dark arts o divination p herbology E History of Magic D Potions E Transfiguration E [Harry]136-harry read the parchment through several times , [his]136-harry breathing becoming easier with each reading . It was all right : [He]136-harry had always known that [he]136-harry would fail Divination , and [he]136-harry had had no chance of passing History of Magic , given that [he]136-harry had collapsed halfway through the examination , but [he]136-harry had passed everything else ! [He]136-harry ran [his]136-harry finger down the grades . . . [he]136-harry had passed well in Transfiguration and Herbology , [he]136-harry had even exceeded expectations at Potions ! And best of all , [he]136-harry had achieved " Outstanding "[136-harry] at Defense Against the Dark Arts ! [He]136-harry looked around . [Hermione]194-hermione had [her]194-hermione back to [him]136-harry and [her]194-hermione head bent , but [Ron]217-ron was looking delighted . " Only failed Divination and History of Magic , and who cares about [them]4823-them ? "[217-ron] [he]217-ron said happily to [Harry]136-harry . " Here ? swap ? quot ; [Harry]136-harry glanced down [Ron]217-ron 's grades : There were no "[217-ron] Outstandings " there . . . . "[136-harry] Knew [you]136-harry 'd be top at Defense Against the Dark Arts , " said [Ron]217-ron , punching [Harry]136-harry on the shoulder . "[136-harry] [We]1254-we 've done all right , have n't [we]1254-we ? " "[1254-we] Well done ! " said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid proudly , ruffling [Ron]217-ron 's hair . "[1255-seven owls] [Seven OWLs]1255-seven owls , that 's more than [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george got together ! " "[194-hermione] [Hermione]194-hermione ? " said [Ginny]236-ginny tentatively , for [Hermione]194-hermione still had n't turned around . "[194-hermione] How did [you]136-harry do ? " "[136-harry] [I]0-i -- not bad , " said [Hermione]194-hermione in a small voice . "[0-i] Oh , come off it , " said [Ron]217-ron , striding over to [her]194-hermione and whipping [her]194-hermione results out of [her]194-hermione hand . "[0-i] Yep ? ten ' Outstandings ' and one ' Exceeds Expectations ' at Defense Against the Dark Arts . " [He]217-ron looked down at [her]194-hermione , half - amused , half - exasperated . "[136-harry] [You]136-harry 're actually disappointed , are n't [you]136-harry ? " [Hermione]194-hermione shook [her]194-hermione head , but [Harry]136-harry laughed . "[136-harry] Well , [we]1256-we 're [N.E.W.T. students]1257-n.e.w.t. students now ! " grinned [Ron]217-ron . "[235-mum] [Mum]235-mum , are there any more sausages ? " [Harry]136-harry looked back down at [his]136-harry results . They were as good as [he]136-harry could have hoped for . [He]136-harry felt just one tiny twinge of regret . . . . This was the end of [his]136-harry ambition to become [an Auror]4464-an auror . [He]136-harry had not secured the required Potions grade . [He]136-harry had known all along that [he]136-harry would n't , but [he]136-harry still felt a sinking in [his]136-harry stomach as [he]136-harry looked again at that small black E. It was odd , really , seeing that it had been [a Death Eater in disguise who had first told [Harry]136-harry [he]136-harry would make [a good Auror]4825-a good auror]136-harry , but somehow the idea had taken hold of [him]136-harry , and [he]136-harry could n't really think of anything else [he]136-harry would like to be . Moreover , it had seemed the right destiny for [him]136-harry since [he]136-harry had heard the prophecy a few weeks ago . . . . [Neither]4826-neither can live while [the other]844-the other survives . . . .Wouldn't [he]136-harry be living up to the prophecy , and giving [himself]136-harry the best chance of survival , if [he]136-harry joined [those highly trained wizards whose job it was to find and kill [Voldemort]192-voldemort]4828-those highly trained wizards whose job it was to find and kill voldemort ?[235-mum] Chapter 6 : [Draco]170-malfoy 's Detour [Harry]136-harry remained within [the confines of [the Burrow 's garden]1259-the burrow 's garden]1258-the confines of the burrow 's garden over the next few weeks . [He]136-harry spent most of [his]136-harry days playing two - a - side Quidditch in [the Weasleys ' orchard]1260-the weasleys ' orchard ( [he]136-harry and [Hermione]194-hermione against [Ron]217-ron and [Ginny]236-ginny ; [Hermione]194-hermione was dreadful and [Ginny]236-ginny good , so [they]1261-they were reasonably well matched ) and [his]136-harry evenings eating triple helpings of everything [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid put in front of [him]136-harry . It would have been a happy , peaceful holiday had it not been for the stones of disappearances , odd accidents , even of deaths now appearing almost daily in [the Prophet]247-the prophet . Sometimes [Bill]241-bill and [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley brought [home]1044-home news before it even reached the paper . To [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid ’s displeasure , [Harry]136-harry 's sixteenth birthday celebrations were marred by grisly tidings brought to the party by [Remus Lupin]227-lupin , who was looking gaunt and grim , [his]227-lupin brown hair streaked liberally with gray , [his]227-lupin clothes more ragged and patched than ever . " There have been another couple of dementor attacks , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry announced , as [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid passed [him]136-harry a large slice of birthday cake . " And [they]4829-they 've found [Igor Karkaroff]169-karkaroff 's body in [a shack up north]4830-a shack up north . [The Dark Mark]4831-the dark mark had been set over it — well , frankly , [I]218-hagrid 'm surprised [he]136-harry stayed alive for even a year after deserting [the Death Eaters]198-the death eaters ; [[Sirius]144-sirius 's brother]4832-sirius 's brother , [Regulus]185-regulus , only managed a few days as far as [I]218-hagrid can remember . "[218-hagrid] " Yes , well , "[218-hagrid] said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , frowning , " perhaps [we]4833-we should talk about something diff — "[218-hagrid] " Did [you]218-hagrid hear about [Florean Fortescue]42-florean fortescue , [Remus]227-lupin ? "[241-bill] asked [Bill]241-bill , who was being plied with wine by [Fleur]238-fleur . " [The man who ran — "[238-fleur] " — [the ice - cream place in [Diagon Alley]34-diagon alley]4835-the ice - cream place in diagon alley]4834-the man who ran — " " — the ice - cream place in diagon alley ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry interrupted , with an unpleasant , hollow sensation in the pit of [his]136-harry stomach . " [He]4834-the man who ran — " " — the ice - cream place in diagon alley used to give [me]136-harry free ice creams . What 's happened to [him]4834-the man who ran — " " — the ice - cream place in diagon alley ? "[136-harry] " Dragged off , by the look of [[his]4834-the man who ran — " " — the ice - cream place in diagon alley place]4836-his place . "[238-fleur] " Why ? "[217-ron] asked [Ron]217-ron , while [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid pointedly glared at [Bill]241-bill . " Who knows ? [He]4834-the man who ran — " " — the ice - cream place in diagon alley must 've upset [them]4837-them somehow . [He]4834-the man who ran — " " — the ice - cream place in diagon alley was [a good man]4838-a good man , [Florean]254-florean . "[218-hagrid] " Talking of [Diagon Alley]34-diagon alley , "[220-mr. weasley] said [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley , " looks like [Ollivander]255-ollivander 's gone too . "[220-mr. weasley] " [The wandmaker]4839-the wandmaker ? "[236-ginny] said [Ginny]236-ginny , looking startled . " That 's the one . [Shop]4840-shop 's empty . No sign of a struggle . [No one]4841-no one knows whether [he]4839-the wandmaker left voluntarily or was kidnapped . "[236-ginny] " But wands — what 'll [people]681-people do for wands ? "[218-hagrid] " [They]681-people 'll make do with [other makers]4843-other makers , "[227-lupin] said [Lupin]227-lupin . " But [Ollivander]255-ollivander was the best , and if the other side have got [him]4839-the wandmaker it 's not so good for [us]1263-we . "[227-lupin] The day after this rather gloomy birthday tea , [their]1263-we letters and booklists arrived from [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts . [Harry]136-harry 's included a surprise : [he]136-harry had been made [Quidditch Captain]214-quidditch . " That gives [you]217-ron equal status with [prefects]4844-prefects ! "[194-hermione] cried [Hermione]194-hermione happily . " [You]217-ron can use [[our]1263-we special bathroom]4845-our special bathroom now and everything ! "[194-hermione] " Wow , [I]217-ron remember when [Charlie]256-charlie wore one of these , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , examining the badge with glee . " [Harry]136-harry , this is so cool , [you]136-harry 're [[my]217-ron Captain]4846-my captain — if [you]136-harry let [me]217-ron back on [the team]4847-the team , [I]217-ron suppose , ha ha . . . . "[217-ron] " Well , [I]218-hagrid do n't suppose [we]1263-we can put off a trip to [Diagon Alley]34-diagon alley much longer now [you]217-ron 've got these , "[218-hagrid] sighed [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , looking down [Ron]217-ron ’s booklist . " [We]1263-we 'll go on Saturday as long as [[your]217-ron father]4684-your father does n't have to go into work again . [I]218-hagrid 'm not going [there]4506-there without [him]4684-your father . "[218-hagrid] " [Mum]235-mum , d'you honestly think [You]217-ron - Know - Who 's going to be hiding behind a bookshelf in [Flourish and Blotts]44-flourish and blotts ? "[217-ron] sniggered [Ron]217-ron . " [Fortescue]257-fortescue and [Ollivander]255-ollivander went on holiday , did [they]1263-we ? "[218-hagrid] said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , firing up at once . " If [you]217-ron think security 's a laughing matter [you]217-ron can stay behind and [I]218-hagrid 'll get [your]217-ron things [myself]218-hagrid — "[218-hagrid] " No , [I]217-ron wanna come , [I]217-ron want to see [Fred]232-fred and [[George]233-george 's shop]4850-george 's shop ! "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron hastily . " Then [you]217-ron just buck up [your]217-ron ideas , [young man]4851-young man , before [I]218-hagrid decide [you]217-ron 're too immature to come with [us]4852-us ! "[218-hagrid] said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid angrily , snatching up [her]218-hagrid clock , all nine hands of which were still pointing at " mortal peril , "[218-hagrid] and balancing it on top of a pile of just - laundered towels . " And that goes for returning to [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts as well ! "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron turned to stare incredulously at [Harry]136-harry as [[his]136-harry mother]1264-his mother hoisted the laundry basket and the teetering clock into [her]218-hagrid arms and stormed out of [the room]685-the room . " [Blimey]246-blimey . . . [you]246-blimey ca n't even make a joke round here anymore . . . . "[218-hagrid] But [Ron]217-ron was careful not to be flippant about [Voldemort]192-voldemort over the next few days . Saturday dawned without any more outbursts from [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , though [she]218-hagrid seemed very tense at breakfast . [Bill]241-bill , who would be staying at [home]1044-home with [Fleur]238-fleur ( much to [Hermione]1267-hermione and [Ginny]236-ginny 's pleasure ) , passed a full money bag across the table to [Harry]136-harry . " Where 's mine ? "[217-ron] demanded [Ron]217-ron at once , [his]217-ron eyes wide . " That 's already [Harry]136-harry 's , [idiot]4853-idiot , "[241-bill] said [Bill]241-bill . " [I]241-bill got it out of [[your]136-harry vault]4854-your vault for [you]136-harry , [Harry]136-harry , because it 's taking about five hours for [the public]791-the public to get to [their]791-the public gold at the moment , [the goblins]4856-the goblins have tightened security so much . Two days ago [Arkie Philpott]258-arkie philpott had a Probity Probe stuck up [his]258-arkie philpott ... Well , trust [me]241-bill , this way 's easier . "[241-bill] " Thanks , [Bill]241-bill , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , pocketing [his]136-harry gold . ' " E is always so thoughtful , "[238-fleur] purred [Fleur]238-fleur adoringly , stroking [Bill]241-bill 's nose . [Ginny]236-ginny mimed vomiting into [her]236-ginny cereal behind [Fleur]238-fleur . [Harry]136-harry choked over [his]136-harry cornflakes , and [Ron]217-ron thumped [him]136-harry on the back . It was an overcast , murky day . One of [the special Ministry of Magic cars , in which [Harry]136-harry had ridden once before]1268-the special ministry of magic cars , in which harry had ridden once before , was awaiting [them]1269-them in [the front yard]1270-the front yard when [they]1269-them emerged from [the house]4472-the house , pulling on [their]1269-them cloaks . " It 's good [Dad]242-dad can get [us]1269-them these again , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron appreciatively , stretching luxuriously as [the car]1272-the car moved smoothly away from the Burrow , [Bill]241-bill and [Fleur]238-fleur waving from the [kitchen]1241-kitchen window . [He]217-ron , [Harry]136-harry , [Hermione]194-hermione , and [Ginny]236-ginny were all sitting in roomy comfort in [the wide backseat]1274-the wide backseat . " Do n't get used to it , it 's only because of [Harry]136-harry , "[220-mr. weasley] said [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley over [his]220-mr. weasley shoulder . [He]220-mr. weasley and [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid were in front with [the Ministry driver]1275-the ministry driver ; the front passenger seat had obligingly stretched into what resembled a two - seater sofa . " [He]136-harry 's been given top - grade security status . And [we]4857-we 'll be joining up with additional security at [the Leaky Cauldron]4858-the leaky cauldron too . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry said nothing ; [he]136-harry did not much fancy doing [his]136-harry shopping while surrounded by [a battalion of [Aurors]1277-aurors]1276-a battalion of aurors . [He]136-harry had stowed [his]136-harry Invisibility Cloak in [his]136-harry backpack and felt that , if that was good enough for [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , it ought to be good enough for [the Ministry]17-the ministry , though now [he]136-harry came to think of it , [he]136-harry was not sure [the Ministry]4400-the ministry knew about [his]136-harry cloak . " Here [you]136-harry are , then , "[1279-the driver] said [the driver]1279-the driver , a surprisingly short while later , speaking for the first time as [he]1279-the driver slowed in [Charing Cross Road]45-charing cross road and stopped outside [the Leaky Cauldron]46-the leaky cauldron . " [I]1279-the driver 'm to wait for [you]136-harry , any idea how long [you]136-harry 'll be ? "[1279-the driver] " A couple of hours , [I]220-mr. weasley expect , "[220-mr. weasley] said [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley . " Ah , good , [he]136-harry 's [here]4439-here ! "[220-mr. weasley] [Harry]136-harry imitated [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley and peered through the window ; [his]136-harry heart leapt . There were [no Aurors]1280-no aurors waiting outside [the inn]1281-the inn , but instead the gigantic , black - bearded form of [Rubeus Hagrid]190-hagrid , [the Hogwarts gamekeeper]1282-the hogwarts gamekeeper , wearing a long beaverskin coat , beaming at the sight of [Harry]136-harry 's face and oblivious to the startled stares of [passing Muggles]1283-passing muggles . " [Harry]136-harry ! "[190-hagrid] [he]190-hagrid boomed , sweeping [Harry]136-harry into a bone - crushing hug the moment [Harry]136-harry had stepped out of [the car]1272-the car . " [Buckbeak]189-buckbeak — [Witherwings]259-witherwings , [I]190-hagrid mean — [yeh]4860-yeh should see [him]136-harry , [Harry]136-harry , [he]136-harry 's so happy ter be back in the open air — "[190-hagrid] " Glad [he]136-harry 's pleased , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , grinning as [he]136-harry massaged [his]136-harry ribs . " [We]4861-we did n't know ' security ' meant [you]190-hagrid ! "[136-harry] " [I]190-hagrid know , jus ' like old times , innit ? See , [the Ministry]4400-the ministry wanted ter send [a bunch o ' Aurors]4863-a bunch o ' aurors , but [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore said [I]190-hagrid 'd do , "[190-hagrid] said [Hagrid]190-hagrid proudly , throwing out [his]190-hagrid chest and tucking [his]190-hagrid thumbs into [his]190-hagrid pockets . " [Lets]260-lets get goin' then — after [yeh]4864-yeh , [Molly]223-molly , [Arthur]223-molly — "[190-hagrid] [The Leaky Cauldron]4858-the leaky cauldron was , for the first time in [Harry]136-harry 's memory , completely empty . [Only [Tom]261-dean [the landlord]1286-the landlord , wizened and toothless , remained of [the old crowd]1287-the old crowd]261-dean . [He]261-dean looked up hopefully as [they]1288-they entered , but before [he]261-dean could speak , [Hagrid]190-hagrid said importantly , " Jus ' passin ' through today , [Tom]261-dean , sure [yeh]261-dean understand , Hogwarts business , [yeh]261-dean know . "[190-hagrid] [Tom]261-dean nodded gloomily and returned to wiping glasses ; [Harry]136-harry , [Hermione]194-hermione , [Hagrid]190-hagrid , and [the Weasleys]219-the weasleys walked through [the bar]1289-the bar and out into [the chilly little courtyard]1290-the chilly little courtyard at the back where [the dustbins]1291-the dustbins stood . [Hagrid]190-hagrid raised [his]190-hagrid pink umbrella and rapped a certain brick in the wall , which opened at once to form an archway onto [a winding cobbled street]1292-a winding cobbled street . [They]1288-they stepped through the entrance and paused , looking around . [Diagon Alley]34-diagon alley had changed . The colorful , glittering window displays of spellbooks , potion ingredients , and cauldrons were lost to view , hidden behind the large Ministry of Magic posters that had been pasted over them . Most of these somber purple posters carried blown - up versions of the security advice on the Ministry pamphlets that had been sent out over the summer , but others bore moving black - and - white photographs of [Death Eaters known to be on the loose]1293-death eaters known to be on the loose . [Bellatrix Lestrange]157-bellatrix was sneering from the front of [the nearest apothecary]1294-the nearest apothecary . A few windows were boarded up , including those of [Florean Fortescue 's Ice Cream Parlor]1295-florean fortescue 's ice cream parlor . On the other hand , a number of [shabby - looking stalls]1296-shabby - looking stalls had sprung up along [the street]1076-the street . [The nearest one , which had been erected outside [Flourish and Blotts]44-flourish and blotts , under a striped , stained awning]1298-the nearest one , which had been erected outside flourish and blotts , under a striped , stained awning , had a cardboard sign pinned to its front : AMULETS Effective Against [Werewolves]262-werewolves , -=-Dement on , and -=-infer ! [A seedy - looking little wizard]1299-a seedy - looking little wizard was rattling armfuls of silver symbols on chains at [passersby]1300-passersby . " One for [[your]218-hagrid little girl]4865-your little girl , [madam]4866-madam ? "[1299-a seedy - looking little wizard] [he]1299-a seedy - looking little wizard called at [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid as [they]1288-they passed , leering at [Ginny]236-ginny . " Protect [her]4865-your little girl pretty neck ? "[1299-a seedy - looking little wizard] " If [I]220-mr. weasley were on duty . . . "[220-mr. weasley] said [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley , glaring angrily at [the amulet seller]1301-the amulet seller . " Yes , but do n't go arresting [anyone]660-anyone now , [dear]4656-dear , [we]1288-they 're in a hurry , "[218-hagrid] said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , nervously consulting a list . " [I]218-hagrid think [we]1288-they 'd better do [Madam Malkin]263-madam malkin 's first , [Hermione]194-hermione wants new dress robes , and [Ron]217-ron 's showing much too much ankle in [his]217-ron school robes , and [you]4656-dear must need new ones too , [Harry]136-harry , [you]4656-dear 've grown so much — come on , [everyone]4750-everyone — "[218-hagrid] " [Molly]223-molly , it does n't make sense for all of [us]1288-they to go to [Madam Malkin]263-madam malkin 's , "[220-mr. weasley] said [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley . " Why do n't [those three]4870-those three go with [Hagrid]218-hagrid , and [we]1288-they can go to [Flourish and Blotts]44-flourish and blotts and get [everyone]4750-everyone 's school - books ? "[220-mr. weasley] " [I]218-hagrid do n't know , "[218-hagrid] said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid anxiously , clearly torn between a desire to finish the shopping quickly and the wish to stick together in a pack . " [Hagrid]218-hagrid , do [you]218-hagrid think — - ? "[220-mr. weasley] " Don ' fret , [they]4870-those three 'll be fine with [me]218-hagrid , [Molly]223-molly , "[218-hagrid] said [Hagrid]218-hagrid soothingly , waving an airy hand the size of a dustbin lid . [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid did not look entirely convinced , but allowed the separation , scurrying off toward [Flourish]264-flourish and Blotts with [[her]218-hagrid husband]4767-her husband and [Ginny]236-ginny while [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , [Hermione]194-hermione , and [Hagrid]218-hagrid set off for [Madam Malkin 's]263-madam malkin . [Harry]136-harry noticed that [many of [the people who passed [them]1303-many of the people who passed them]1304-the people who passed them]1303-many of the people who passed them had the same harried , anxious look as [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , and that [nobody]687-nobody was stopping to talk anymore ; [the shoppers]1306-the shoppers stayed together in [[their]1306-the shoppers own tightly knit groups]1307-their own tightly knit groups , moving intently about [their]1306-the shoppers business . [Nobody]687-nobody seemed to be shopping alone . " Migh ' be a bit of a squeeze in there with [all of [us]4872-all of us]4872-all of us , "[218-hagrid] said [Hagrid]218-hagrid , stopping outside [Madam Malkin]263-madam malkin 's and bending down to peer through the window . " [I]218-hagrid 'll stand guard outside , all right ? "[218-hagrid] So [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , and [Hermione]194-hermione entered [the little shop]1309-the little shop together . [It]1309-the little shop appeared , at first glance , to be empty , but no sooner had the door swung shut behind [them]1310-them than [they]1310-them heard a familiar voice issuing from behind a rack of dress robes in spangled green and blue . " . . . not [a child]4873-a child , in case [you]263-madam malkin have n't noticed , [Mother]265-mother . [I]263-madam malkin am perfectly capable of doing [my]263-madam malkin shopping alone . "[263-madam malkin] There was a clucking noise and a voice [Harry]136-harry recognized as that of [Madam Malkin]263-madam malkin , [the owner]1311-the owner , said , " Now , [dear]4656-dear , [[your]4656-dear mother]4687-your mother 's quite right , [none of [us]1310-them]4876-none of us is supposed to go wandering around on [our]1310-them own anymore , it 's nothing to do with being [a child]4873-a child — "[263-madam malkin] " Watch where [you]4656-dear 're sticking that pin , will [you]4656-dear ! "[263-madam malkin] [A teenage boy with a pale , pointed face and white - blond hair]1312-a teenage boy with a pale , pointed face and white - blond hair appeared from behind the rack , wearing a handsome set of dark green robes that glittered with pins around the hem and the edges of the sleeves . [He]1312-a teenage boy with a pale , pointed face and white - blond hair strode to the mirror and examined [himself]1312-a teenage boy with a pale , pointed face and white - blond hair ; it was a few moments before [he]1312-a teenage boy with a pale , pointed face and white - blond hair noticed [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , and [Hermione]194-hermione reflected over [his]1312-a teenage boy with a pale , pointed face and white - blond hair shoulder . [His]1312-a teenage boy with a pale , pointed face and white - blond hair light gray eyes narrowed . " If [you]263-madam malkin 're wondering what the smell is , [Mother]265-mother , [a Mudblood]4878-a mudblood just walked in , "[170-malfoy] said [Draco Malfoy]170-malfoy . " [I]263-madam malkin do n't think there 's any need for language like that ! "[263-madam malkin] said [Madam Malkin]263-madam malkin , scurrying out from behind the clothes rack holding a tape measure and a wand . " And [I]263-madam malkin do n't want wands drawn in [[my]263-madam malkin shop]4879-my shop either ! "[263-madam malkin] [she]263-madam malkin added hastily , for a glance toward the door had shown [her]263-madam malkin [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron both standing there with [their]1313-them wands out and pointing at [Malfoy]170-malfoy . [Hermione]194-hermione , who was standing slightly behind [them]1313-them , whispered , " No , do n't , honestly , it 's not worth it . "[194-hermione] " Yeah , like [you]170-malfoy 'd dare do magic out of [school]4622-school , "[170-malfoy] sneered [Malfoy]170-malfoy . " Who blacked [your]170-malfoy eye , [Granger]194-hermione ? [I]170-malfoy want to send [them]1313-them flowers . "[170-malfoy] " That 's quite enough ! "[263-madam malkin] said [Madam Malkin]263-madam malkin sharply , looking over [her]263-madam malkin shoulder for support . " [Madam]4866-madam — please — "[263-madam malkin] [Narcissa Malfoy]152-narcissa strolled out from behind the clothes rack . " Put those away , "[152-narcissa] [she]152-narcissa said coldly to [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron . " If [you]170-malfoy at - tack [[my]152-narcissa son]912-my son again , [I]152-narcissa shall ensure that it is the last thing [you]170-malfoy ever do . "[152-narcissa] " Really ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , taking a step forward and gazing into the smoothly arrogant face that , for all its pallor , still resembled [[her]263-madam malkin sister]862-her sister 's . [He]136-harry was as tall as [she]263-madam malkin was now . " Going to get a few Death Eater pals to do [us]4883-us in , are [you]136-harry ? "[136-harry] [Madam Malkin]263-madam malkin squealed and clutched at [her]263-madam malkin heart . " Really , [you]136-harry should n't accuse — dangerous thing to say — wands away , please ! "[263-madam malkin] But [Harry]136-harry did not lower [his]136-harry wand . [Narcissa Malfoy]152-narcissa smiled unpleasantly . " [I]152-narcissa see that being [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's favorite has given [you]136-harry a false sense of security , [Harry Potter]136-harry . But [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore wo n't always be there to protect [you]136-harry . "[152-narcissa] [Harry]136-harry looked mockingly all around [the shop]4807-the shop . " Wow . . . look at that . . . [he]136-harry 's not [here]4439-here now ! So why not have a go ? [They]4885-they might be able to find [you]136-harry [a double cell in [Azkaban]3-azkaban]4886-a double cell in azkaban with [[your]136-harry loser of [a husband]4888-a husband]4887-your loser of a husband ! "[136-harry] [Malfoy]152-narcissa made an angry movement toward [Harry]136-harry , but stumbled over [his]136-harry overlong robe . [Ron]217-ron laughed loudly . " Do n't [you]136-harry dare talk to [[my]152-narcissa mother]4685-my mother like that , [Potter]136-harry ! "[152-narcissa] [Malfoy]152-narcissa snarled . " It 's all right , [Draco]170-malfoy , "[152-narcissa] said [Narcissa]152-narcissa , restraining [him]136-harry with [her]152-narcissa thin white fingers upon [his]136-harry shoulder . " [I]152-narcissa expect [Potter]136-harry will be reunited with [dear Sirius]144-sirius before [I]152-narcissa am reunited with [Lucius]164-lucius . "[152-narcissa] ' [Harry]136-harry raised [his]136-harry wand higher . " [Harry]136-harry , no ! "[136-harry] moaned [Hermione]194-hermione , grabbing [his]136-harry arm and attempting to push it down by [his]136-harry side . " Think . . . . [You]136-harry must n't . . . . [You]136-harry 'll be in such trouble . ... "[136-harry] [Madam Malkin]263-madam malkin dithered for a moment on the spot , then seemed to decide to act as though nothing was happening in the hope that it would n't . [She]263-madam malkin bent toward [Malfoy]170-malfoy , who was still glaring at [Harry]136-harry . " [I]263-madam malkin think this left sleeve could come up a little bit more , [dear]4656-dear , let [me]263-madam malkin just — "[263-madam malkin] " Ouch ! "[170-malfoy] bellowed [Malfoy]170-malfoy , slapping [her]263-madam malkin hand away . " Watch where [you]263-madam malkin 're putting [your]263-madam malkin pins , [woman]4891-woman ! [Mother]4892-mother — [I]170-malfoy do n't think [I]170-malfoy want these anymore — "[170-malfoy] [He]170-malfoy pulled the robes over [his]170-malfoy head and threw them onto the floor at [Madam Malkin]263-madam malkin 's feet . " [You]170-malfoy 're right , [Draco]170-malfoy , "[152-narcissa] said [Narcissa]152-narcissa , with a contemptuous glance at [Hermione]194-hermione , " now [I]152-narcissa know the kind of scum that shops here . . . . [We]827-the pair of them 'll do better at [Twilfitt]48-twilfitt and Tatting 's . "[152-narcissa] And with that , [the pair of [them]827-the pair of them]827-the pair of them strode out of [the shop]4807-the shop , [Malfoy]170-malfoy taking care to bang as hard as [he]170-malfoy could into [Ron]217-ron on the way out . " Well , really ? said [Madam Malkin]263-madam malkin , snatching up the fallen robes and moving the tip of [her]263-madam malkin wand over them like a vacuum cleaner , so that it removed all the dust . [She]263-madam malkin was distracted all through the fitting of [Ron]217-ron 's and [Harry]136-harry 's new robes , tried to sell [Hermione wizard]4893-hermione wizard 's dress robes instead of witch 's , and when [she]263-madam malkin finally bowed [them]1319-bu out of [the shop]4807-the shop it was with an air of being glad to see the back of [them]1319-bu . "[170-malfoy] Got ev'rything ? " asked [Hagrid]218-hagrid brightly when [they]266-the malfoys reappeared at [his]136-harry side . "[170-malfoy] Just about , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[170-malfoy] Did [you]1318-you see [the Malfoys]266-the malfoys ? " "[1318-you] Yeah , " said [Hagrid]218-hagrid , unconcerned . "[1319-bu] [Bu]1319-bu [they]266-the malfoys wouldn ’ dare make trouble in [the middle o ' Diagon Alley]1320-the middle o ' diagon alley , [Harry]136-harry . Don ' worry abou1 [them]266-the malfoys . " [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , and [Hermione]4895-hermione exchanged looks , but before [they]266-the malfoys could disabuse [Hagrid]218-hagrid of this comfortable notion , [Mr.]4896-mr. and [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid and [Ginny]236-ginny appeared , all clutching heavy packages of books . "[4750-everyone] [Everyone]4750-everyone all right ? " said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid . "[1322-your] Got [your]1322-your robes ? Right then , [we]1323-we can pop in at [the Apothecary]1324-the apothecary and [Eeylops]49-eeylops on the way to [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george 's — stick close , now . . . . " Neither [Harry]136-harry nor [Ron]217-ron bought any ingredients at [the Apothecary]1324-the apothecary , seeing that [they]266-the malfoys were no longer studying Potions , but [both]4898-both bought large boxes of owl nuts for [Hedwig]178-hedwig and [Pigwidgeon]267-pigwidgeon at [Eeylops Owl Emporium]50-eeylops owl emporium . Then , with [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid checking [her]218-hagrid watch every minute or so , [they]1325-we headed farther along [the street]1076-the street in search of [Weasleys]219-the weasleys ' Wizard Wheezes , [the joke shop run by [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george]4900-the joke shop run by fred and george . "[1325-we] [We]1325-we really have n't got too long , " [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid said . "[1325-we] So [we]1325-we 'll just have a quick look around and then back to [the car]1272-the car . [We]1325-we must be close , that 's number ninety - two . . . ninety - four . . . " "[1325-we] Whoa,"said [Ron]217-ron , stopping in [his]217-ron tracks . Set against [the dull , poster - muffled shop Fronts around [them]1325-we]4901-the dull , poster - muffled shop fronts around them , [Fred]232-fred and [Georges]268-georges windows hit the eye like a firework display . [Casual passersby]4902-casual passersby were looking back over [their]4902-casual passersby shoulders at the windows , and [a few rather stunned - looking people]4903-a few rather stunned - looking people had actually come to a halt , transfixed . The left - hand window was dazzlingly full of an assortment of goods that revolved , popped , flashed , bounced , and shrieked ; [Harrys]269-harrys eyes began to water just looking at it . The right - hand window was covered with a gigantic poster , purple like those of [the Ministry]4400-the ministry , but emblazoned with flashing yellow letters : WHY ARE [YOU]4905-you WORRYING ABOUT [YOU]4905-you - KNOW - WHO ? [YOU]4905-you SHOULD BE WORRYING ABOUT U - NO - POO-- THE CONSTIPATION SENSATION THAT 'S GRIPPING [THE NATION]4906-the nation ! [Harry]136-harry started to laugh . [He]136-harry heard a weak sort of moan beside [him]136-harry and looked around to see [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid gazing , dumbfounded , at the poster . [Her]218-hagrid lips moved silently , mouthing the name "[1325-we] U - No - Poo . " "[1325-we] [They]1327-they 'll be murdered in [their]1327-they beds ! " [she]218-hagrid whispered . "[1325-we] No [they]1327-they wo n’t ! " said [Ron]217-ron , who , like [Harry]136-harry , was laughing . "[1325-we] This is brilliant ! " And [he]217-ron and [Harry]136-harry led the way into [the shop]4807-the shop . [It]4807-the shop was packed with [customers]4908-customers ; [Harry]136-harry could not get near the shelves . [He]136-harry stared around , looking up at the boxes piled to the ceiling : [Here]4439-here were the Skiving Snackboxes that [the twins]4910-the twins had perfected during [their]4910-the twins last , unfinished year at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts ; [Harry]136-harry noticed that the Nosebleed Nougat was most popular , with only one battered box left on the shelf . There were bins full of trick wands , the cheapest merely turning into rubber chickens or pairs of briefs when waved , the most expensive beating [the unwary user]4911-the unwary user around the head and neck , and boxes of quills , which came in Self - Inking , Spell - Checking , and Smart - Answer varieties . A space cleared in [the crowd]4912-the crowd , and [Harry]136-harry pushed [his]136-harry way toward the counter , where [a gaggle of delighted ten - year - olds]4913-a gaggle of delighted ten - year - olds was watching [a tiny little wooden man]4914-a tiny little wooden man slowly ascending the steps to a real set of gallows , [both perched on a box that read : reusable hangman]4915-both perched on a box that read : reusable hangman — spell it or [he]4914-a tiny little wooden man 'll swing ! "[1325-we] ' [Patented Daydream Charms Hermione]194-hermione had managed to squeeze through to a large display near the counter and was reading the information on the back of a box bearing a highly colored picture of [a handsome youth]1328-a handsome youth and [a swooning girl]1329-a swooning girl who were standing on [the deck of [a pirate ship]1331-a pirate ship]1330-the deck of a pirate ship . " ' One simple incantation and [you]136-harry will enter a top - quality , highly realistic , thirty - minute daydream , easy to fit into the average school lesson and virtually undetectable ( side effects include vacant expression and minor drooling ) . Not for sale to [under - sixteens]4916-under - sixteens . [You]136-harry know , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , looking up at [Harry]136-harry , " that really is extraordinary magic ! "[194-hermione] " For that , [Hermione]194-hermione , "[1332-a voice behind them] said [a voice behind [them]1333-we]1332-a voice behind them , " [you]136-harry can have one for free . "[1332-a voice behind them] [A beaming Fred]1334-a beaming fred stood before [them]1333-we , wearing a set of magenta robes that clashed magnificently with [his]1334-a beaming fred flaming hair . " How are [you]136-harry , [Harry]136-harry ? "[1334-a beaming fred] [They]1333-we shook hands . " And what 's happened to [your]136-harry eye , [Hermione]194-hermione ? "[1334-a beaming fred] " [Your]232-fred punching telescope , "[194-hermione] [she]194-hermione said ruefully . " Oh blimey , [I]232-fred forgot about those , "[232-fred] said [Fred]232-fred . " Here — "[1334-a beaming fred] [He]1334-a beaming fred pulled a tub out of [his]1334-a beaming fred pocket and handed it to [her]194-hermione ; [she]194-hermione unscrewed it gingerly to reveal a thick yellow paste . " Just dab it on , that bruise'll be gone within the hour , "[232-fred] said [Fred]232-fred . " [We]1333-we had to find a decent bruise remover . [We]1333-we 're testing most of [our]1333-we products on [ourselves]1333-we . "[232-fred] [Hermione]194-hermione looked nervous . " It is safe , is n't it ? "[194-hermione] [she]194-hermione asked . ' " Course it is , "[232-fred] said [Fred]232-fred bracingly . " Come on , [Harry]136-harry , [I]136-harry 'll give [you]136-harry a tour . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry left [Hermione]194-hermione dabbing [her]194-hermione black eye with paste and followed [Fred]232-fred toward the back of [the shop]4807-the shop , where [he]136-harry saw a stand of card and rope tricks . " Muggle magic tricks ! "[232-fred] said [Fred]232-fred happily , pointing them out . " For freaks like [Dad]242-dad , [you]136-harry know , who love Muggle stuff . It 's not a big earner , but [we]1333-we do fairly steady business , [they]4917-they 're great novelties . . . . Oh , here 's [George]233-george . ... "[232-fred] [[Fred]232-fred 's twin]1336-fred 's twin shook [Harrys]269-harrys hand energetically . " Giving [him]1337-a small boy who hastily whipped his hand out of the tub labeled edible dark marks----they'll make anyone sick the tour ? Come through the back , [Harry]136-harry , that 's where [we]1333-we 're making the real money — pocket anything , [you]136-harry , and [you]136-harry 'll pay in more than [Galleons]38-the galleons ! "[269-harrys] [he]269-harrys added warningly to [a small boy who hastily whipped [his]1337-a small boy who hastily whipped his hand out of the tub labeled edible dark marks----they'll make anyone sick hand out of the tub labeled edible dark MARKS----THEY'LL MAKE [ANYONE SICK]1338-anyone sick]1337-a small boy who hastily whipped his hand out of the tub labeled edible dark marks----they'll make anyone sick ! [George]233-george pushed back a curtain beside the Muggle tricks and [Harry]136-harry saw [a darker , less crowded room]1339-a darker , less crowded room . The packaging on the products lining these shelves was more subdued . " [We]1333-we 've just developed this more serious line , "[232-fred] said [Fred]232-fred . " Funny how it happened . . . "[232-fred] " [You]136-harry would n't believe how many people , even [people who work at [the Ministry]4400-the ministry]4918-people who work at the ministry , ca n't do a decent Shield Charm , "[233-george] said [George]233-george . " ' Course , [they]4400-the ministry did n't have [you]136-harry teaching [them]4400-the ministry , [Harry]136-harry . "[233-george] " That 's right . . . . Well , [we]1333-we thought [Shield Hats]271-shield hats were a bit of a laugh , [you]136-harry know , challenge [[your]136-harry mate]4920-your mate to jinx [you]136-harry while wearing it and watch [his]4920-your mate face when the jinx just bounces off . But [the Ministry]4400-the ministry bought five hundred for all [[its]4400-the ministry support staff]4922-its support staff ! And [we]1333-we 're still getting massive orders ! "[232-fred] " So [we]1333-we 've expanded into a range of Shield Cloaks , Shield Gloves ... "[232-fred] " ... [I]233-george mean , [they]4400-the ministry would n't help much against the Unforgivable Curses , but for minor to moderate hexes or jinxes . . . "[233-george] " And then [we]1333-we thought [we]1333-we 'd get into [the whole area of Defense Against the Dark Arts]4923-the whole area of defense against the dark arts , because it 's such [a money spinner]4924-a money spinner , "[233-george] continued [George]233-george enthusiastically . " This is cool . Look , [Instant Darkness Powder]272-instant darkness powder , [we]1333-we 're importing it from [Peru]52-peru . Handy if [you]136-harry want to make a quick escape . "[233-george] " And [our]1333-we Decoy Detonators are just walking off the shelves , look , "[232-fred] said [Fred]232-fred , pointing at a number of weird - looking black horn - type objects that were indeed attempting to scurry out of sight . " [You]136-harry just drop one surreptitiously and it 'll run off and make a nice loud noise out of sight , giving [you]136-harry a diversion if [you]136-harry need one . "[232-fred] Handy , " said [Harry]136-harry , impressed . "[232-fred] Here , " said [George]233-george , catching [a couple]4925-a couple and throwing [them]4925-a couple to [Harry]136-harry . [A young witch with short blonde hair]4926-a young witch with short blonde hair poked [her]4926-a young witch with short blonde hair head around the curtain ; [Harry]136-harry saw that [she]4926-a young witch with short blonde hair too was wearing magenta staff robes . "[232-fred] There 's [a customer]1340-a customer out here looking for a joke cauldron , [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley and [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley , " [she]4926-a young witch with short blonde hair said . [Harry]136-harry found it very odd to hear [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george called "[220-mr. weasley] [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley , " but [they]4927-they took it in [their]4927-they stride . "[220-mr. weasley] Right [you]1341-you are , [Verity]273-verity , [I]0-i 'm coming , " said [George]233-george promptly . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry , [you]136-harry help [yourself]136-harry to anything [you]136-harry want , all right ? No charge . " "[0-i] [I]0-i ca n't do that ! " said [Harry]136-harry , who had already pulled out [his]136-harry money bag to pay for the Decoy Detonators . "[0-i] [You]136-harry do n't pay here , " said [Fred]232-fred firmly , waving away [Harry]136-harry 's gold . "[136-harry] But — " "[136-harry] [You]136-harry gave [us]1342-we [our]1342-we start - up loan , [we]1342-we have n't forgotten , " said [George]233-george sternly "[136-harry] Take whatever [you]1341-you like , and just remember to tell [people]681-people where [you]1341-you got it , if [they]681-people ask . " [George]233-george swept off through the curtain to help with [the customers]4928-the customers , and [Fred]232-fred led [Harry]136-harry back into [the main part of [the shop]4807-the shop]4929-the main part of the shop to find [Hermione]194-hermione and [Ginny]236-ginny still poring over the Patented Daydream Charms . "[136-harry] Have n't [[you]1344-you girls]1345-you girls found [our]1342-we special WonderWitch products yet ? " asked [Fred]232-fred . "[1345-you girls] Follow [me]0-i , [ladies]1346-ladies . . . . " Near the window was an array of violently pink products around which [a cluster of excited girls]4931-a cluster of excited girls was giggling enthusiastically . [Hermione]194-hermione and [Ginny]236-ginny both hung back , looking wary . "[1346-ladies] There [you]1344-you go , " said [Fred]232-fred proudly . "[1344-you] Best range of love potions [you]1344-you 'll find anywhere . " [Ginny]236-ginny raised an eyebrow skeptically . "[1346-ladies] Do they work ? " [she]236-ginny asked . "[1347-they] Certainly [they]1347-they work , for up to twenty - four hours at a time depending on the weight of [the boy in question]1348-the boy in question — " "[1348-the boy in question] — and the attractiveness of [the girl]1349-the girl , " said [George]233-george , reappearing suddenly at [their]1342-we side . "[1349-the girl] But [we]1342-we 're not selling them to [[our]1342-we sister]1350-our sister , " [he]1351-you added , becoming suddenly stern , "[1349-the girl] not when [she]1350-our sister 's already got about five boys on the go from what [we]1342-we 've — " "[1350-our sister] Whatever [you]1351-you 've heard from [Ron]217-ron is a big fat lie , " said [Ginny]236-ginny calmly , leaning forward to take a small pink pot off the shelf . "[217-ron] What 's this ? " "[1352-guaranteed ten - second pimple vanisher] [Guaranteed ten - second pimple vanisher]1352-guaranteed ten - second pimple vanisher , " said [Fred]232-fred . "[1352-guaranteed ten - second pimple vanisher] Excellent on everything from boils to blackheads , but do n't change the subject . Are [you]1351-you or are [you]1351-you not currently going out with [a boy called [Dean Thomas]261-dean]1353-a boy called dean thomas ? " "[261-dean] Yes , [I]0-i am , " said [Ginny]236-ginny . "[261-dean] And last time [I]0-i looked , [he]1353-a boy called dean thomas was definitely [one boy]1354-one boy , not five . What are those ? " [She]236-ginny was pointing at a number of round balls of fluff in shades of pink and purple , all rolling around the bottom of a cage and emitting high - pitched squeaks . "[261-dean] Pygmy Puffs , " said [George]233-george . "[261-dean] [Miniature puffskeins]274-miniature puffskeins , [we]1342-we ca n’t breed them fast enough . So what about [Michael Corner]275-michael corner ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i dumped [him]275-michael corner , [he]275-michael corner was [a bad loser]1355-a bad loser , " said [Ginny]236-ginny , putting a finger through the bars of the cage and watching the Pygmy Puffs crowd around it . "[275-michael corner] They 're really cute ! " "[1356-they] [They]1356-they 're fairly cuddly , yes , " conceded [Fred]232-fred . "[1356-they] But [you]1351-you 're moving through [boyfriends]1357-boyfriends a bit fast , are n't [you]1351-you ? " [Ginny]236-ginny turned to look at [him]1351-you , [her]236-ginny hands on [her]236-ginny hips . There was such a [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid - ish glare on [her]236-ginny face that [Harry]136-harry was surprised [Fred]232-fred did n't recoil . "[1358-i] It 's none of [your]1351-you business . And [I]0-i 'll thank [you]1351-you '' [she]1358-i added angrily to [Ron]217-ron , who had just appeared at [George]233-george 's elbow , laden with merchandise , " not to tell tales about [me]1358-i to [these two]4932-these two ! "[1358-i] " That 's [three Galleons , nine Sickles]4933-three galleons , nine sickles , and a Knut , "[232-fred] said [Fred]232-fred , examining the many boxes in [Ron]217-ron 's arms . " Cough up . "[232-fred] " [I]1358-i 'm [[your]1351-you brother]4934-your brother ! "[1358-i] " And that 's [our]4932-these two stuff [you]1351-you 're nicking . [Three Galleons]4935-three galleons , [nine Sickles]276-nine sickles . [I]1358-i 'll knock off the Knut . "[1358-i] " But [I]232-fred have n't got three Galleons , [nine Sickles]4936-nine sickles ! "[232-fred] " [You]1351-you 'd better put it back then , and mind [you]1351-you put it on the right shelves . "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron dropped several boxes , swore , and made a rude hand gesture at [Fred]232-fred that was unfortunately spotted by [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , who had chosen that moment to appear . " If [I]218-hagrid see [you]1351-you do that again [I]218-hagrid 'll jinx [your]1351-you fingers together , "[218-hagrid] [she]218-hagrid said sharply . " [Mum]235-mum , can [I]236-ginny have a Pygmy Puff ? "[236-ginny] said [Ginny]236-ginny at once . " A what ? "[218-hagrid] said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid warily . " Look , [they]4937-they 're so sweet . . . . "[218-hagrid] [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid moved aside to look at [the Pygmy Puffs]53-the pygmy puffs , and [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , and [Hermione]194-hermione momentarily had an unimpeded view out of the window . [Draco Malfoy]170-malfoy was hurrying up [the street]1076-the street alone . As [he]170-malfoy passed [Weasleys]219-the weasleys ' Wizard Wheezes , [he]170-malfoy glanced over [his]170-malfoy shoulder . Seconds later , [he]170-malfoy moved beyond the scope of the window and [they]1360-they lost sight of [him]170-malfoy . " Wonder where [[his]170-malfoy mummy]4938-his mummy is ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , frowning . " Given [her]152-narcissa the slip by the looks of it , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron . " Why , though ? "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione . [Harry]136-harry said nothing ; [he]136-harry was thinking too hard . [Narcissa Malfoy]152-narcissa would not have let [[her]152-narcissa precious son]1361-her precious son out of [her]152-narcissa sight willingly ; [Malfoy]170-malfoy must have made a real effort to free [himself]170-malfoy from [her]152-narcissa clutches . [Harry]136-harry , knowing and loathing [Malfoy]170-malfoy , was sure the reason could not be innocent . [He]136-harry glanced around . [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid and [Ginny]236-ginny were bending over the [Pygmy Puffs]53-the pygmy puffs . [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley was delightedly examining a pack of Muggle marked playing cards . [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george were both helping [customers]4908-customers . On the other side of the glass , [Hagrid]218-hagrid was standing with [his]1363-his back to [them]1364-they , looking up and down [the street]1076-the street . " Get under here , quick , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , pulling [his]136-harry Invisibility Cloak out of [his]136-harry bag . " Oh — [I]194-hermione do n't know , [Harry]136-harry , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , looking uncertainly toward [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid . " Come on\ "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron . [She]194-hermione hesitated for a second longer , then ducked under the cloak with [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron . [Nobody]687-nobody noticed [them]1364-they vanish ; [they]1364-they were all too interested in [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george 's products . [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , and [Hermione]194-hermione squeezed [their]1364-they way out of the door as quickly as [they]1364-they could , but by the time [they]1364-they gained [the street]1076-the street , [Malfoy]170-malfoy had disappeared just as successfully as [they]1364-they had . " [He]170-malfoy was going in that direction , "[136-harry] murmured [Harry]136-harry as quietly as possible , so that [the humming Hagrid]218-hagrid would not hear [them]1364-they . “ [Cmon]278-cmon . ”[136-harry] [They]1364-they scurried along , peering left and right , through shop windows and doors , until [Hermione]194-hermione pointed ahead . " That 's [him]170-malfoy , is n't it ? "[194-hermione] [she]194-hermione whispered . " Turning left ? "[194-hermione] " Big surprise , "[217-ron] whispered [Ron]217-ron . For [Malfoy]170-malfoy had glanced around , then slid into [Knockturn Alley]54-knockturn alley and out of sight . " Quick , or [we]1364-they 'll lose [him]170-malfoy , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , speeding up . " [Our]1364-they feet'Il be seen ! "[279-hermionc] said [Hermionc]279-hermionc anxiously , as the cloak flapped a little around [their]1364-they ankles ; it was much more difficult hiding all three of [them]1364-they under the cloak nowadays . " It does n't matter , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry impatiently . " Just hurry ! "[136-harry] But [Knockturn Alley]54-knockturn alley , [the side street devoted to the Dark Arts]1368-the side street devoted to the dark arts , looked completely deserted . [They]1364-they peered into windows as [they]1364-they passed , but [none of [the shops]1370-the shops]1369-none of the shops seemed to have [any customers at all]1371-any customers at all . [Harry]136-harry supposed it was a bit of a giveaway in these dangerous and suspicious times to buy Dark artifacts — or at least , to be seen buying them . [Hermione]194-hermione gave [his]136-harry arm a hard pinch . " Ouch ! "[194-hermione] " Shh ! Look ! [He]170-malfoy 's in there ! "[194-hermione] [she]194-hermione breathed in [Harry]136-harry 's ear . [They]1364-they had drawn level with [the only shop in [Knockturn Alley]54-knockturn alley that [Harry]136-harry had ever visited]1372-the only shop in knockturn alley that harry had ever visited , [Borgin]280-borgin and [Burkes]281-burkes , which sold a wide variety of sinister objects . There in the midst of the cases full of skulls and old bottles stood [Draco Malfoy]170-malfoy with [his]170-malfoy back to [them]1364-they , just visible beyond the very same large black cabinet in which [Harry]136-harry had once hidden to avoid [Malfoy]170-malfoy and [[his]170-malfoy father]904-his father . Judging by the movements of [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's hands , [he]136-harry was talking animatedly . [The proprietor of [the shop]4807-the shop]1374-the proprietor of the shop , [Mr. Borgin]280-borgin , [an oily - haired , stooping man]1376-an oily - haired , stooping man , stood facing [Malfoy]170-malfoy . [He]280-borgin was wearing a curious expression of mingled resentment and fear . " If only [we]4939-we could hear what [they]4940-they 're saying ! "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione . " [We]4939-we can ! "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron excitedly . " Hang on — damn — "[217-ron] [He]217-ron dropped a couple more of the boxes [he]217-ron was still clutching as [he]217-ron fumbled with the largest . " Extendable Ears , look ! "[217-ron] " Fantastic ! "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , as [Ron]217-ron unraveled the long , flesh- colored strings and began to feed them toward the bottom of the door . " Oh , [I]217-ron hope the door is n't Imperturbable — "[217-ron] " No ! "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron gleefully . " Listen ! "[217-ron] [They]1377-they put [their]1377-they heads together and listened intently to the ends of the strings , through which [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's voice could be heard loud and clear , as though a radio had been turned on . " . . . [you]280-borgin know how to fix it ? "[170-malfoy] " Possibly , "[280-borgin] said [Borgin]280-borgin , in a tone that suggested [he]280-borgin was unwilling to commit [himself]280-borgin . " [I]280-borgin 'll need to see it , though . Why do n't [you]280-borgin bring it into [the shop]4807-the shop ? "[280-borgin] " [I]170-malfoy ca n't , "[170-malfoy] said [Malfoy]170-malfoy . " It 's got to stay put . [I]170-malfoy just need [you]136-harry to tell [me]170-malfoy how to do it . "[170-malfoy] [Harry]136-harry saw [Borgin]280-borgin lick [his]280-borgin lips nervously . " Well , without seeing it , [I]280-borgin must say it will be a very difficult job , perhaps impossible . [I]280-borgin could n't guarantee anything . "[280-borgin] " No ? "[170-malfoy] said [Malfoy]170-malfoy , and [Harry]136-harry knew , just by [his]170-malfoy tone , that [Malfoy]170-malfoy was sneering . " Perhaps this will make [you]136-harry more confident . "[280-borgin] [He]280-borgin moved toward [Borgin]280-borgin and was blocked from view by the cabinet . [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , and [Hermione]194-hermione shuffled sideways to try and keep [him]280-borgin in sight , but all [they]1378-they could see was [Borgin]280-borgin , looking very frightened . " Tell [anyone]660-anyone , "[282-maifoy] said [Maifoy]282-maifoy , " and there will be retribution . [You]136-harry know [Fenrir Greyback]283-greyback ? [He]283-greyback 's [a family friend]4943-a family friend . [He]283-greyback 'll be dropping in from time to time to make sure [you]136-harry 're giving the problem [your]136-harry full attention . "[282-maifoy] " There will be no need for — "[280-borgin] " [I]170-malfoy 'll decide that , "[170-malfoy] said [Malfoy]170-malfoy . " Well , [I]170-malfoy 'd better be off . And do n't forget to keep that one safe , [I]170-malfoy 'll need it . "[170-malfoy] " Perhaps [you]170-malfoy 'd like to take it now ? "[280-borgin] " No , of course [I]280-borgin would n't , [you]136-harry stupid , [little man]4944-little man , how would [I]280-borgin look carrying that down [the street]1076-the street ? Just do n't sell it . "[280-borgin] " Of course not . . . [sir]985-sir . "[280-borgin] [Borgin]280-borgin made a bow as deep as the one [Harry]136-harry had once seen [him]280-borgin give [Lucius Malfoy]164-lucius . " Not a word to [anyone]660-anyone , [Borgin]280-borgin , and that includes [[my]280-borgin mother]4685-my mother , understand ? "[280-borgin] " Naturally , naturally , "[280-borgin] murmured [Borgin]280-borgin , bowing again . Next moment , the bell over the door tinkled loudly as [Malfoy]170-malfoy stalked out of [the shop]4807-the shop looking very pleased with [himself]170-malfoy . [He]170-malfoy passed so close to [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , and [Hermione]194-hermione that [they]1380-they felt the cloak flutter around [their]1380-they knees again . Inside [the shop]4807-the shop , [Borgin]280-borgin remained frozen ; [his]280-borgin unctuous smile had vanished ; [he]280-borgin looked worried . " What was that about ? "[217-ron] whispered [Ron]217-ron , reeling in the Extendable Ears . " Dunno , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , thinking hard . " [He]170-malfoy wants something mended . . . and [he]170-malfoy wants to reserve something in there . . . . Could [you]4949-you see what [he]170-malfoy pointed at when [he]170-malfoy said ' that one ' ? "[136-harry] " No , [he]170-malfoy was behind that cabinet — "[194-hermione] " [You]4949-you two stay here , "[194-hermione] whispered [Hermione]194-hermione . " What are [you]4949-you — ? "[194-hermione] But [Hermione]194-hermione had already ducked out from under the cloak . [She]194-hermione checked [her]194-hermione hair in the reflection in the glass , then marched into [the shop]4807-the shop , setting the bell tinkling again . [Ron]217-ron hastily fed the Extendable Ears back under the door and passed one of the strings to [Harry]136-harry . " Hello , horrible morning , is n't it ? "[194-hermione] [Hermione]194-hermione said brightly to [Borgin]280-borgin , who did not answer , but cast [her]194-hermione a suspicious look . [Humming]284-humming cheerily , [Hermione]194-hermione strolled through the jumble of objects on display . " Is this necklace for sale ? "[194-hermione] [she]194-hermione asked , pausing beside a glass - fronted case . " If [you]194-hermione 've got [one and a half thousand Galleons]4950-one and a half thousand galleons , "[280-borgin] said [Mr. Borgin]280-borgin coldly . " Oh — er — no , [I]194-hermione have n't got quite that much , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , walking on . " And . . . what about this lovely — um — skull ? "[194-hermione] " Sixteen Galleons . "[280-borgin] " So it 's for sale , then ? It is n't being . . . kept for [anyone]660-anyone ? "[280-borgin] [Mr. Borgin]280-borgin squinted at [her]194-hermione . [Harry]136-harry had the nasty feeling [he]136-harry knew exactly what [Hermione]194-hermione was up to . Apparently [Hermione]194-hermione felt [she]194-hermione had been rumbled too because [she]194-hermione suddenly threw caution to the winds . " The thing is , that — er — boy who was in [here]4439-here just now , [Draco Malfoy]170-malfoy , well , [he]170-malfoy 's [a friend of mine]4953-a friend of mine , and [I]194-hermione want to get [him]170-malfoy a birthday present , but if [he]170-malfoy 's already reserved anything , [I]194-hermione obviously do n't want to get [him]170-malfoy the same thing , so ... um ... "[194-hermione] It was a pretty lame story in [Harry]136-harry 's opinion , and apparently [Borgin]280-borgin thought so too . " Out , "[280-borgin] [he]280-borgin said sharply . " Get out ! "[280-borgin] [Hermione]194-hermione did not wait to be asked twice , but hurried to the door with [Borgin]280-borgin at [her]194-hermione heels . As the bell tinkled again , [Borgin]280-borgin slammed the door behind [her]194-hermione and put up the closed sign . " Ah well , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , throwing the cloak back over [Hermione]194-hermione . " Worth a try , but [you]194-hermione were a bit obvious — "[217-ron] " Well , next time [you]217-ron can show [me]194-hermione how it 's done , [Master of Mystery]4954-master of mystery ! "[194-hermione] [she]194-hermione snapped . [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione bickered all the way back to [Weasleys]219-the weasleys ' Wizard Wheezes , where [they]1383-they were forced to stop so that [they]1383-they could dodge undetected around [a very anxious - looking [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid and [Hagrid]218-hagrid , who had clearly noticed [their]1383-they absence]218-hagrid . Once in [the shop]4807-the shop , [Harry]136-harry whipped off the Invisibility Cloak , hid it in [his]136-harry bag , and joined in with [the other two]1385-the other two when [they]1383-they insisted , in answer to [Mrs. Weasleys]219-the weasleys accusations , that [they]1383-they had been in [the back room]1386-the back room all along , and that [she]219-the weasleys could not have looked properly . Chapter 7 : [The Slug Club]1387-the slug club [Harry]136-harry spent a lot of the last week of the holidays pondering the meaning of [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's behavior in [Knockturn Alley]54-knockturn alley . What disturbed [him]136-harry most was the satisfied look on [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's face as [he]136-harry had left [the shop]4807-the shop . Nothing that made [Malfoy]170-malfoy look that happy could be good news . To [his]136-harry slight annoyance , however , neither [Ron]217-ron nor [Hermione]194-hermione seemed quite as curious about [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's activities as [he]136-harry was ; or at least , [they]1383-they seemed to get bored of discussing it after a few days . " Yes , [I]194-hermione 've already agreed it was fishy , [Harry]136-harry , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione a little impatiently . [She]194-hermione was sitting on the windowsill in [Fred]232-fred and [[George]233-george 's room]1184-george 's room with [her]194-hermione feet up on one of the cardboard boxes and had only grudgingly looked up from [her]194-hermione new copy of Advanced Rune Translation . " But have n't [we]4955-we agreed there could be a lot of explanations ? "[194-hermione] " Maybe [he]170-malfoy 's broken [his]170-malfoy Hand of Glory "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron vaguely , as [he]217-ron attempted to straighten [his]217-ron broomstick 's bent tail twigs . " Remember that shriveled - up arm [Malfoy]170-malfoy had ? "[217-ron] " But what about when [he]170-malfoy said , ' Do n't forget to keep that one safe ' ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry for the umpteenth time . " That sounded to [me]136-harry like [Borgin]280-borgin 's got another one of the broken objects , and [Malfoy]170-malfoy wants both . "[136-harry] " [You]217-ron reckon ? "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , now trying to scrape some dirt off [his]217-ron broom handle . " Yeah , [I]136-harry do , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . When neither [Ron]217-ron nor [Hermione]194-hermione answered , [he]136-harry said , " [[Malfoy]170-malfoy 's father]4956-malfoy 's father 's in [Azkaban]3-azkaban . Do n't [you]217-ron think [Malfoy’d]285-malfoy’d like revenge ? "[136-harry] [Ron]217-ron looked up , blinking . " [Malfoy]170-malfoy , revenge ? What can [he]285-malfoy’d do about it ? "[217-ron] " That 's [my]136-harry point , [I]136-harry do n't know ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , frustrated . " But [he]285-malfoy’d 's up to something and [I]136-harry think [we]4957-we should take it seriously . [[His]170-malfoy father]904-his father 's [a Death Eater]4651-a death eater and ? quot ; [Harry]136-harry broke off , [his]136-harry eyes fixed on the window behind [Hermione]194-hermione , [his]136-harry mouth open . A startling thought had just occurred to [him]136-harry . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry ? " said [Hermione]194-hermione in an anxious voice . "[136-harry] What 's wrong ? " "[136-harry] [Your]217-ron scar 's not hurting again , is it ? " asked [Ron]217-ron nervously . "[217-ron] [He]217-ron 's [a Death Eater]4651-a death eater , " said [Harry]136-harry slowly . "[217-ron] [He]217-ron 's replaced [[his]217-ron father]904-his father as [a Death Eater]4651-a death eater ! " There was a silence ; then [Ron]217-ron erupted in laughter . "[217-ron] [Malfoy]170-malfoy ? [He]170-malfoy 's sixteen , [Harry]136-harry ! [You]217-ron think [You]217-ron - Know - Who would let [Malfoy]170-malfoy join ? " "[217-ron] It seems very unlikely , [Harry]136-harry , " said [Hermione]194-hermione in a repressive sort of voice . "[136-harry] What makes [you]217-ron think ? ? " "[217-ron] In [Madam Malkin]263-madam malkin 's . [She]263-madam malkin did n't touch [him]170-malfoy , but [he]170-malfoy yelled and jerked [his]170-malfoy arm away from [her]263-madam malkin when [she]263-madam malkin went to roll up [his]170-malfoy sleeve . It was [his]170-malfoy left arm . [He]170-malfoy 's been branded with the Dark Mark . " [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione looked at [each other]4377-each other . "[170-malfoy] Well .. . " said [Ron]217-ron , sounding thoroughly unconvinced . "[170-malfoy] [I]0-i think [he]170-malfoy just wanted to get out of [there]4506-there , [Harry]136-harry , " said [Hermione]194-hermione . "[136-harry] [He]170-malfoy showed [Borgin]280-borgin something [we]1394-we could n't see , " [Harry]136-harry pressed on stubbornly . "[170-malfoy] Something that seriously scared [Borgin]280-borgin . It was the Mark , [I]0-i know it ? [he]170-malfoy was showing [Borgin]280-borgin who [he]170-malfoy was dealing with , [you]136-harry saw how seriously [Borgin]280-borgin took [him]170-malfoy ! " [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione exchanged another look . "[170-malfoy] [I]0-i 'm not sure , [Harry]136-harry . . . . " "[136-harry] Yeah , [I]0-i still do n't reckon [You]136-harry - Know - Who would let [Malfoy]170-malfoy join .. . . " Annoyed , but absolutely convinced [he]0-i was right , [Harry]136-harry snatched up a pile of filthy Quidditch robes and left [the room]685-the room ; [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid had been urging [them]4962-them for days not to leave [their]4962-them washing and packing until the last moment . On [the landing]4963-the landing [he]136-harry bumped into [Ginny]236-ginny , who was returning to [[her]236-ginny room]4964-her room carrying a pile of freshly laundered clothes . "[0-i] [I]0-i would n't go in [the kitchen]1147-the kitchen just now , " [she]236-ginny warned [him]136-harry . "[0-i] There 's a lot of Phlegm around . " "[0-i] [I]0-i 'll be careful not to slip in it . " [Harry]136-harry smiled . Sure enough , when [he]136-harry entered [the kitchen]1147-the kitchen it was to find [Fleur]238-fleur sitting at the kitchen table , in full flow about plans for [her]238-fleur wedding to [Bill]241-bill , while [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid kept watch over a pile of self - peeling sprouts , looking bad - tempered . "[241-bill] . . . [Bill]241-bill and [I]0-i ' ave almost decided on only [two bridesmaids]1396-two bridesmaids , [Ginny]236-ginny and [Gabrielle]240-gabrielle will look very sweet togezzer . [I]0-i am theenking of dressing zem in pale gold ? pink would of course be ' orrible with [Ginny]236-ginny 's ' air ? quot ; " Ah , [Harry]136-harry ! "[218-hagrid] said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid loudly , cutting across [Fleur]238-fleur 's monologue . " Good , [I]218-hagrid wanted to explain about the security arrangements for the journey to [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts tomorrow . [We]4966-we 've got [Ministry cars]4967-ministry cars again , and there will be [Aurors]1277-aurors waiting at [the station]4969-the station ? quot ; "[218-hagrid] Is [Tonks]226-tonks going to be [there]4506-there ? " asked [Harry]136-harry , handing over [his]136-harry Quidditch things . "[218-hagrid] No , [I]0-i do n't think so , [she]238-fleur 's been stationed somewhere else from what [Arthur]223-molly said . " "[238-fleur] [She]238-fleur has let ' erself go , zat [Tonks]226-tonks , " [Fleur]238-fleur mused , examining [her]238-fleur own stunning reflection in the back of a teaspoon . "[238-fleur] A big mistake if [you]0-i ask?quot ; " Yes , thank [you]0-i , "[218-hagrid] said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid tartly , cutting across [Fleur]238-fleur again . " [You]0-i 'd better get on , [Harry]136-harry , [I]218-hagrid want the trunks ready tonight , if possible , so [we]1398-them do n't have the usual last - minute scramble . "[218-hagrid] And in fact , [their]1398-them departure the following morning was smoother than usual . [The Ministry cars]1399-the ministry cars glided up to the front of [the Burrow]25-the burrow to find [them]1398-them waiting , trunks packed ; [Hermione]194-hermione 's cat , Crookshanks , safely enclosed in [his]1400-his traveling basket ; and [Hedwig]178-hedwig ; [Ron]217-ron 's owl , [Pig - widgeon]286-pig - widgeon ; and [Ginny]236-ginny 's new purple Pygmy Puff , [Arnold]287-arnold , in cages . " Au revoir , ' Any , "[238-fleur] said [Fleur]238-fleur throatily , kissing [him]1400-his good - bye . [Ron]217-ron hurried forward , looking hopeful , but [Ginny]236-ginny stuck out [her]236-ginny foot and [Ron]217-ron fell , sprawling in the dust at [Fleur]238-fleur 's feet . Furious , red - faced , and dirt - spattered , [he]217-ron hurried into [the car]1272-the car without saying good - bye . There was no cheerful [Hagrid]218-hagrid waiting for [them]1398-them at [King 's Cross Station]55-king 's cross station . Instead , [two grim - faced , bearded Aurors in dark Muggle suits]1402-two grim - faced , bearded aurors in dark muggle suits moved forward the moment [the cars]1403-the cars stopped and , flanking [the party]1404-the party , marched [them]1402-two grim - faced , bearded aurors in dark muggle suits into [the station]4969-the station without speaking . " Quick , quick , through the barrier , "[218-hagrid] said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , who seemed a little flustered by this austere efficiency . " [Harry]136-harry had better go first , with ? quot ; [She]218-hagrid looked inquiringly at one of [the Aurors]4970-the aurors , who nodded briefly , seized [Harry]136-harry 's upper arm , and attempted to steer [him]136-harry toward the barrier between [platforms nine and ten]4971-platforms nine and ten . "[218-hagrid] [I]0-i can walk , thanks , " said [Harry]136-harry irritably , jerking [his]0-i arm out of the [Auror]136-harry 's grip . [He]0-i pushed [his]0-i trolley directly at the solid barrier , ignoring [[his]0-i silent companion]4972-his silent companion , and found [himself]0-i , a second later , standing on platform nine and three - quarters , where the scarlet Hogwarts Express stood belching steam over [the crowd]4912-the crowd . [Hermione]194-hermione and [the Weasleys]219-the weasleys joined [him]0-i within seconds . Without waiting to consult [[his]0-i grim - faced [Auror]136-harry]4974-his grim - faced auror , [Harry]136-harry motioned to [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione to follow [him]0-i up [the platform]4975-the platform , looking for [an empty compartment]4976-an empty compartment . "[1406-we] [We]1406-we ca n't , [Harry]136-harry , " said [Hermione]194-hermione , looking apologetic . "[136-harry] [Ron]217-ron and [I]0-i 've got to go to [[the prefects]1407-the prefects ' carriage]1408-the prefects ' carriage first and then patrol [the corridors]1409-the corridors for a bit . " "[0-i] Oh yeah , [I]0-i forgot , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[0-i] [You]1410-you 'd better get straight on [the train]1411-the train , all of [you]1410-you , [you]1410-you 've only got a few minutes to go , " said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , consulting [her]218-hagrid watch . "[1410-you] Well , have a lovely term , [Ron]217-ron . . . . " "[217-ron] [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley , can [I]0-i have a quick word ? " said [Harry]136-harry , making up [his]136-harry mind on the spur of the moment . "[220-mr. weasley] Of course , " said [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley , who looked slightly surprised , but followed [Harry]136-harry out of earshot of [the others]4977-the others nevertheless . [Harry]136-harry had thought it through carefully and come to the conclusion that , if [he]136-harry was to tell [anyone]660-anyone , [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley was [the right person]4979-the right person ; firstly , because [he]220-mr. weasley worked at [the Ministry]4400-the ministry and was therefore in the best position to make further investigations , and secondly , because [he]136-harry thought that there was not too much risk of [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley exploding with anger . [He]136-harry could see [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid and [the grim - faced Auror]4981-the grim - faced auror casting [the pair of [them]827-the pair of them]827-the pair of them suspicious looks as [they]827-the pair of them moved away . "[220-mr. weasley] When [we]1412-we were in [Diagon Alley]34-diagon alley , " [Harry]136-harry began , but [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley forestalled [him]136-harry with a grimace . "[0-i] Am [I]0-i about to discover where [you]0-i , [Ron]217-ron , and [Hermione]194-hermione disappeared to while [you]0-i were supposed to be in [the back room of [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george 's shop]1413-the back room of fred and george 's shop ? " "[0-i] How did [you]0-i ? ? " "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry , please . [You]136-harry 're talking to [the man who raised [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george]1414-the man who raised fred and george . " "[136-harry] Er . . . yeah , all right , [we]1412-we were n't in [the back room]1386-the back room . " "[1412-we] Very well , then , let 's hear the worst . " "[1412-we] Well , [we]1412-we followed [Draco Malfoy]170-malfoy . [We]1412-we used [my]0-i Invisibility Cloak . " "[1412-we] Did [you]0-i have any particular reason for doing so , or was it a mere whim ? " "[0-i] Because [I]0-i thought [Malfoy]170-malfoy was up to something , " said [Harry]136-harry , disregarding [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley 's look of mingled exasperation and amusement . "[0-i] [He]170-malfoy 'd given [[his]170-malfoy mother]1264-his mother the slip and [I]0-i wanted to know why . " "[0-i] Of course [you]0-i did , " said [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley , sounding resigned . "[0-i] Well ? Did [you]0-i find out why ? " "[170-malfoy] [He]170-malfoy went into [Borgin]280-borgin and [Burkes]281-burkes , " said [Harry]136-harry , "[170-malfoy] and started bullying [the bloke in [there]4506-there]1417-the bloke in there , [Borgin]280-borgin , to help [him]280-borgin fix something . And [he]170-malfoy said [he]170-malfoy wanted [Borgin]280-borgin to keep something else for [him]170-malfoy . [He]170-malfoy made it sound like it was the same kind of thing that needed fixing . Like [they]1419-they were [a pair]1420-a pair . And ... " [Harry]136-harry took a deep breath . "[170-malfoy] There 's something else . [We]1421-we saw [Malfoy]170-malfoy jump about a mile when [Madam Malkin]263-madam malkin tried to touch [his]170-malfoy left arm . [I]0-i think [he]170-malfoy 's been branded with the Dark Mark . 1 think [he]170-malfoy 's replaced [[his]170-malfoy father]904-his father as [a Death Eater]4651-a death eater . " [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley looked taken aback . After a moment [he]220-mr. weasley said , "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry , [I]0-i doubt whether [You]136-harry - Know - Who would allow [a sixteen - year - old]1424-a sixteen - year - old ? quot ; " Does [anyone]660-anyone really know what [You]220-mr. weasley - Know - Who would or would n't do ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry angrily . " [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley , [I]136-harry 'm sorry , but is n't it worth investigating ? If [Malfoy]170-malfoy wants something fixing , and [he]170-malfoy needs to threaten [Borgin]280-borgin to get it done , it 's probably something Dark or dangerous , is n't it ? "[136-harry] " [I]220-mr. weasley doubt it , to be honest , [Harry]136-harry , "[220-mr. weasley] said [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley slowly . " [You]136-harry see , when [Lucius Malfoy]164-lucius was arrested , [we]4984-we raided [[his]170-malfoy house]4607-his house . [We]4984-we took away everything that might have been dangerous . "[220-mr. weasley] " [I]136-harry think [you]220-mr. weasley missed something , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry stubbornly . " Well , maybe , "[220-mr. weasley] said [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley , but [Harry]136-harry could tell that [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley was humoring [him]136-harry . There was a whistle behind [them]1425-them ; nearly [everyone]4750-everyone had boarded [the train]1411-the train and the doors were closing . " [You]136-harry 'd better hurry ! ' said [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley , as [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid cried , "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry , quickly ! " [He]136-harry hurried forward and [Mr.]4986-mr. and [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid helped [him]136-harry load [his]136-harry trunk onto [the train]1411-the train . "[136-harry] Now , [dear]4656-dear , [you]136-harry 're coming to [us]1425-them for Christmas , it 's all fixed with [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , so [we]1425-them 'll see [you]136-harry quite soon , " said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid through the window , as [Harry]136-harry slammed the door shut behind [him]136-harry and [the train]1411-the train began to move . "[136-harry] [You]136-harry make sure [you]136-harry look after [yourself]136-harry and ? quot ; [The train]1411-the train was gathering speed . " ? be good and ? quot ; , [She]218-hagrid was jogging to keep up now . "[136-harry] ? stay safe ! " [Harry]136-harry waved until [the train]1411-the train had turned a corner and [Mr.]4990-mr. and [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid were lost to view , then turned to see where [the others]4977-the others had got to . [He]136-harry supposed [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione were cloistered in [[the prefects]1407-the prefects ' carriage]1408-the prefects ' carriage , but [Ginny]236-ginny was a little way along [the corridor]4994-the corridor , chatting to [some friends]4995-some friends . [He]136-harry made [his]136-harry way toward [her]236-ginny , dragging [his]136-harry trunk . [People]681-people stared shamelessly as [he]136-harry approached . [They]681-people even pressed [their]681-people faces against the windows of [[their]681-people compartments]4997-their compartments to get a look at [him]136-harry . [He]136-harry had expected an upswing in the amount of gaping and gawping [he]136-harry would have to endure this term after all the "[136-harry] Chosen One " rumors in the Daily Prophet , but [he]136-harry did not enjoy the sensation of standing in a very bright spotlight . [He]136-harry tapped [Ginny]236-ginny on the shoulder . "[136-harry] Fancy trying to find [a compartment]1430-a compartment ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i ca n't , [Harry]136-harry , [I]0-i said [I]0-i 'd meet [Dean]261-dean , " said [Ginny]236-ginny brightly . "[0-i] See [you]136-harry later . " "[136-harry] Right , " said [Harry]136-harry . [He]136-harry felt a strange twinge of annoyance as [she]236-ginny walked away , [her]236-ginny long red hair dancing behind [her]236-ginny ; [he]136-harry had become so used to [her]236-ginny presence over the summer that [he]136-harry had almost forgotten that [Ginny]236-ginny did not hang around with [him]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , and [Hermione]194-hermione while at [school]4622-school . Then [he]136-harry blinked and looked around : [He]136-harry was surrounded by [mesmerized girls]4999-mesmerized girls . "[136-harry] Hi , [Harry]136-harry ! " said a familiar voice from behind [him]136-harry . "[174-neville] [Neville]174-neville ! " said [Harry]136-harry in relief , turning to see [a round - faced boy]5000-a round - faced boy struggling toward [him]136-harry . "[136-harry] Hello , [Harry]136-harry , " said [a girl with long hair and large misty eyes]5001-a girl with long hair and large misty eyes , who was just behind [Neville]174-neville . "[136-harry] [Luna]288-luna , hi , how are [you]136-harry ? " "[136-harry] Very well , thank [you]136-harry , " said [Luna]288-luna . [She]288-luna was clutching a magazine to [her]288-luna chest ; large letters on the front announced that there was a pair of free Spectrespecs inside . "[289-quibbler] [Quibbler]289-quibbler still going strong , then ? " asked [Harry]136-harry , who felt a certain fondness for the magazine , having given [it]289-quibbler [an exclusive interview the previous year]5002-an exclusive interview the previous year . "[289-quibbler] Oh yes , circulation 's well up , " said [Luna]288-luna happily . "[174-neville] Let 's find seats , " said [Harry]136-harry , and [the three of [them]1233-the three of them]1233-the three of them set off along [the train]1411-the train through hordes of [silently staring students]5005-silently staring students . At last [they]1233-the three of them found [an empty compartment]4976-an empty compartment , and [Harry]136-harry hurried inside gratefully . "[1431-they] [They]1431-they 're even staring at [us]1432-we ? said [Neville]174-neville , indicating [himself]174-neville and [Luna]288-luna . " Because [we]1432-we 're with [you]1432-we ! "[174-neville] " [They]1431-they 're staring at [you]1432-we because [you]1432-we were at [the Ministry]4400-the ministry too , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , as [he]136-harry hoisted [his]136-harry trunk into the luggage rack . " [Our]1432-we little adventure there was all over the Daily Prophet , [you]1432-we must 've seen it . "[136-harry] " Yes , [I]174-neville thought [Gran]290-gran would be angry about all the publicity , "[174-neville] said [Neville]174-neville , " but [she]290-gran was really pleased . Says [I]174-neville 'm starting to live up to [[my]174-neville dad]5008-my dad at long last . [She]290-gran bought [me]174-neville a new wand , look ! "[174-neville] [He]174-neville pulled it out and showed it to [Harry]136-harry . " [Cherry]291-cherry and unicorn hair , "[174-neville] [he]174-neville said proudly . " [We]1432-we think it was one of the last Ollivander ever sold , [he]174-neville vanished next day ? oi , come back here , [Trevor]292-trevor ! "[174-neville] And [he]174-neville dived under the seat to retrieve [his]174-neville toad as it made one of its frequent bids for freedom . " Are [we]1432-we still doing D.A. meetings this year , [Harry]136-harry ? "[288-luna] asked [Luna]288-luna , who was detaching a pair of psychedelic spectacles from the middle of The Quibbler . " No point now [we]1432-we 've got rid of [Umbridge]201-dolores umbridge , is there ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , sitting down . [Neville]174-neville bumped [his]174-neville head against the seat as [he]174-neville emerged from under it . [He]174-neville looked most disappointed . " [I]174-neville liked the D.A. ! [I]174-neville learned loads with [you]136-harry ! "[174-neville] " [I]288-luna enjoyed the meetings too , "[288-luna] said [Luna]288-luna serenely . " It was like having [friends]5009-friends . "[288-luna] This was one of those uncomfortable things [Luna]288-luna often said and which made [Harry]136-harry feel a squirming mixture of pity and embarrassment . Before [he]136-harry could respond , however , there was a disturbance outside [their]1433-them compartment door ; [a group of [fourth - year girls]1435-fourth - year girls]1434-a group of fourth - year girls was whispering and giggling together on the other side of the glass . " [You]136-harry ask [him]136-harry ! "[136-harry] No , [you]136-harry ! " [I]1433-them 'll do it ! "[1433-them] And one of [them]1433-them , [a bold - looking girl with large dark eyes , a prominent chin , and long black hair]1436-a bold - looking girl with large dark eyes , a prominent chin , and long black hair pushed [her]1436-a bold - looking girl with large dark eyes , a prominent chin , and long black hair way through the door . " Hi , [Harry]136-harry , [I]1436-a bold - looking girl with large dark eyes , a prominent chin , and long black hair 'm [Romilda]293-romilda vane , [Romilda Vane]293-romilda vane , "[1436-a bold - looking girl with large dark eyes , a prominent chin , and long black hair] [she]1436-a bold - looking girl with large dark eyes , a prominent chin , and long black hair said loudly and confidently . " Why do n't [you]136-harry join [us]5010-us in [[our]5010-us compartment]5011-our compartment ? [You]136-harry do n't have to sit with [them]1433-them , "[1436-a bold - looking girl with large dark eyes , a prominent chin , and long black hair] [she]1436-a bold - looking girl with large dark eyes , a prominent chin , and long black hair added in a stage whisper , indicating [Neville]174-neville 's bottom , which was sticking out from under the seat again as [he]174-neville groped around for [Trevor]292-trevor , and [Luna]288-luna , who was now wearing [her]288-luna free Spectrespecs , which gave [her]288-luna the look of a demented , multicolored owl . " [They]1433-them 're [friends of [mine]136-harry]5012-friends of mine , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry coldly . " Oh , "[1349-the girl] said [the girl]1349-the girl , looking very surprised . " Oh . Okay . "[1349-the girl] And [she]1349-the girl withdrew , sliding the door closed behind [her]1349-the girl . " [People]681-people expect [you]136-harry 10 have [cooler friends]5014-cooler friends than [us]5015-us , "[288-luna] said [Luna]288-luna , once again displaying [her]288-luna knack for embarrassing honesty . " [You]1349-the girl are cool , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry shortly . " [None of [them]681-people]4723-none of them was at [the Ministry]4400-the ministry . [They]681-people did n't fight with [me]136-harry . "[136-harry] " That 's a very nice thing to say , "[288-luna] beamed [Luna]288-luna . Then [she]288-luna pushed [her]288-luna Spectrespecs farther up [her]288-luna nose and settled down to read [The Quibbler]289-quibbler . " [We]5015-us did n't face [him]174-neville , though , "[174-neville] said [Neville]174-neville , emerging from under the seat with fluff and dust in [his]174-neville hair and a resigned - looking [Trevor]292-trevor in [his]174-neville hand . " [You]1349-the girl did . [You]1349-the girl should hear [[my]174-neville gran]5018-my gran talk about [you]1349-the girl . ' That [Harry Potter]136-harry 's got more backbone than [the whole Ministry of Magic]5019-the whole ministry of magic put together ! ' [She]5018-my gran 'd give anything to have [you]1349-the girl as [a grand - son]5020-a grand - son . . . . [Harry]136-harry laughed uncomfortably and changed the subject to [OWL]294-owl . results as soon as [he]136-harry could . While [Neville]174-neville recited [his]174-neville grades and wondered aloud whether [he]174-neville would be allowed to take a Transfiguration NEWT , with only an "[174-neville] Acceptable , " [Harry]136-harry watched [him]174-neville without really listening . [Neville]174-neville 's childhood had been blighted by [Voldemort]192-voldemort just as much as [Harry]136-harry 's had , but [Neville]174-neville had no idea how close [he]174-neville had come to having [Harry]136-harry 's destiny . The prophecy could have referred to either of [them]5021-them , yet , for [his]174-neville own inscrutable reasons , [Voldemort]192-voldemort had chosen to believe that [Harry]136-harry was the one meant . Had [Voldemort]192-voldemort chosen [Neville]174-neville , it would be [Neville]174-neville sitting opposite [Harry]136-harry bearing the lightning - shaped scar and the weight of the prophecy . ... Or would it ? Would [[Neville]174-neville ’s mother]5022-neville ’s mother have died to save [him]174-neville , as [Lily]203-lily had died for [Harry]136-harry ? Surely [she]5022-neville ’s mother would . . . . But what if [she]5022-neville ’s mother had been unable to stand between [[her]5022-neville ’s mother son]5023-her son and [Voldemort]192-voldemort ? Would there then have been [no "[174-neville] Chosen One]5024-no " chosen one " at all ? An empty seat where [Neville]174-neville now sat and [a scarless Harry who would have been kissed good - bye by [[his]174-neville own mother]5026-his own mother]5025-a scarless harry who would have been kissed good - bye by his own mother , not [Ron]217-ron 's ? "[1438-you] [You]1438-you all right , [Harry]136-harry ? [You]1438-you look funny , " said [Neville]174-neville . [Harry]136-harry started . "[1438-you] Sorry ? [I]0-i ? quot ; " Wrackspurt got [you]174-neville ? "[288-luna] asked [Luna]288-luna sympathetically , peering at [Harry]136-harry through [her]288-luna enormous colored spectacles . " [I]288-luna — what ? "[288-luna] " A Wrackspurt . . . They 're invisible . They float in through [your]174-neville ears and make [your]174-neville brain go fuzzy , "[288-luna] [she]288-luna said . " [I]288-luna thought [I]288-luna felt one zooming around in here . "[288-luna] [She]288-luna flapped [her]288-luna hands at thin air , as though beating off large invisible moths . [Harry]136-harry and [Neville]174-neville caught [each other]4377-each other 's eyes and hastily began to talk of [Quidditch]214-quidditch . The weather beyond the train windows was as patchy as it had been all summer ; [they]1440-they passed through stretches of the chilling mist , then out into weak , clear sunlight . It was during one of the clear spells , when the sun was visible almost directly overhead , that [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione entered [the compartment]1441-the compartment at last . " Wish [the lunch trolley]5027-the lunch trolley would hurry up , [I]217-ron 'm starving , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron longingly , slumping into the seat beside [Harry]136-harry and rubbing [his]136-harry stomach . " Hi , [Neville]174-neville . Hi , [Luna]288-luna . Guess what ? "[217-ron] [he]217-ron added , turning to [Harry]136-harry . " [Malfoy]170-malfoy s not doing prefect duty . [He]170-malfoy 's just sitting in [[his]170-malfoy compartment]5028-his compartment with [the other Slytherins]295-the slytherins , [we]5029-we saw [him]170-malfoy when [we]5029-we passed . "[217-ron] [Harry]136-harry sat up straight , interested . It was not like [Malfoy]170-malfoy to pass up the chance to demonstrate [his]170-malfoy power as [prefect]1442-prefect , which [he]170-malfoy had happily abused all the previous year . " What did [he]170-malfoy do when [he]170-malfoy saw [you]136-harry ? "[217-ron] " The usual , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron indifferently , demonstrating a rude hand gesture . " Not like [him]170-malfoy , though , is it ? Well ? that is "[170-malfoy] ? [he]170-malfoy did the hand gesture again ? " but why is n't [he]170-malfoy out there bullying first years ? "[170-malfoy] Dunno , " said [Harry]136-harry , but [his]136-harry mind was racing . Did n't this look as though [Malfoy]170-malfoy had more important things on [his]170-malfoy mind than bullying [younger students]5030-younger students ? "[170-malfoy] Maybe [he]170-malfoy preferred [the Inquisitorial Squad]1443-the inquisitorial squad , " said [Hermione]194-hermione . "[170-malfoy] Maybe being [a prefect]1444-a prefect seems a bit tame after that . " "[0-i] [I]0-i do n't think so , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[0-i] [I]0-i think [he]170-malfoy 's ? quot ; But before [he]0-i could expound on [his]0-i theory , [the compartment]1441-the compartment door slid open again and [a breathless third - year girl]1446-a breathless third - year girl stepped inside . " [I]1446-a breathless third - year girl 'm supposed to deliver these to [Neville Longbottom]174-neville and [Harry P - Potter]136-harry , "[1446-a breathless third - year girl] [she]1446-a breathless third - year girl faltered , as [her]1446-a breathless third - year girl eyes met [Harry]136-harry 's and [she]1446-a breathless third - year girl turned scarlet . [She]1446-a breathless third - year girl was holding out two scrolls of parchment tied with violet ribbon . Perplexed , [Harry]136-harry and [Neville]174-neville took the scroll addressed to each of [them]1447-them and [the girl]1349-the girl stumbled back out of [the compartment]1441-the compartment . " What is it ? "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron demanded , as [Harry]136-harry unrolled [his]136-harry . " An invitation , "[297-harry.?/p] said [Harry.?/p]297-harry.?/p > [Harry]136-harry , [I]0-i would be delighted if [you]1450-you would join [me]0-i for a bite of lunch in compartment C. Sincerely , . , . " But what does [he]174-neville want [me]174-neville for ? "[174-neville] asked [Neville]174-neville nervously , as though [he]174-neville was expecting detention . " No idea , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , which was not entirely true , though [he]136-harry had no proof yet that [his]136-harry hunch was correct . " Listen , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry added , seized by a sudden brain wave , " let ['s]5031-'s go under the Invisibility Cloak , then [we]5031-'s might get a good look at [Malfoy]170-malfoy on the way , see what [he]170-malfoy 's up to . "[136-harry] This idea , however , came to nothing : [The corridors]1409-the corridors , which were packed with [people on the lookout for the lunch trolley]1452-people on the lookout for the lunch trolley , were impossible to negotiate while wearing the cloak . [Harry]136-harry stowed it regretfully back in [his]136-harry bag , reflecting that it would have been nice to wear it just to avoid all the staring , which seemed to have increased in intensity even since [he]136-harry had last walked down [the train]1411-the train . Every now and then , [students]967-students would hurtle out of [[their]967-students compartments]4997-their compartments to get a better look at [him]136-harry . The exception was [Cho Chang]298-cho , who darted into [[her]298-cho compartment]1456-her compartment when [she]298-cho saw [Harry]136-harry coming . As [Harry]136-harry passed the window , [he]136-harry saw [her]298-cho deep in determined conversation with [[her]298-cho friend]1457-her friend [Marietta]299-marietta , who was wearing a very thick layer of makeup that did not entirely obscure the odd formation of pimples still etched across [her]299-marietta face . Smirking slightly , [Harry]136-harry pushed on . When [they]1458-they reached [compartment C]1459-compartment c , [they]1458-they saw at once that [they]1458-they were not [[Slughorn]193-slughorn 's only invitees]1460-slughorn 's only invitees , although judging by the enthusiasm of [Slughorn]193-slughorn 's welcome , [Harry]136-harry was the most warmly anticipated . " [Harry]136-harry , [m'boy]5032-m'boy ! "[193-slughorn] said [Slughorn]193-slughorn , jumping up at the sight of [him]136-harry so that [his]193-slughorn great velvet - covered belly seemed to fill all the remaining space in [the compartment]1441-the compartment . [His]193-slughorn shiny bald head and great silvery mustache gleamed as brightly in the sunlight as the golden buttons on [his]193-slughorn waistcoat . " Good to see [you]136-harry , good to see [you]136-harry ! And [you]136-harry must be [Mr. Longbottom]300-mr. longbottom ! "[174-neville] [Neville]174-neville nodded , looking scared . At a gesture from [Slughorn]193-slughorn , [they]1458-they sat down opposite each other in the only two empty seats , which were nearest the door . [Harry]136-harry glanced around at [[their]1458-they fellow guests]1462-their fellow guests . [He]136-harry recognized [a Slytherin]204-slytherin from [their]1458-they year , [a tall black boy with high cheekbones and long , slanting eyes]1463-a tall black boy with high cheekbones and long , slanting eyes ; there were also [two seventh - year boys [Harry]136-harry did not know]1464-two seventh - year boys harry did not know and , squashed in the corner beside [Slughorn]193-slughorn and looking as though [she]1465-she was not entirely sure how [she]1465-she had got [there]4506-there , [Ginny]236-ginny . " Now , do [you]136-harry know [everyone]4750-everyone ? "[193-slughorn] [Slughorn]193-slughorn asked [Harry]136-harry and [Neville]174-neville . " [Blaise Zabini]301-zabini is in [your]136-harry year , of course - ? "[193-slughorn] [Zabini]301-zabini did not make any sign of recognition or greeting , nor did [Harry]136-harry or [Neville]174-neville : [Gryffindor]205-gryffindor and [Slytherin students]1467-slytherin students loathed [each other]4377-each other on principle . " This is [Cormac McLaggen]302-mclaggen , perhaps [you]136-harry 've come across [each other]4377-each other ? ? No ? "[302-mclaggen] [McLaggen]302-mclaggen , [a large , wiry - haired youth]1469-a large , wiry - haired youth , raised a hand , and [Harry]136-harry and [Neville]174-neville nodded back at [him]302-mclaggen . " ? and this is [Marcus Belby]303-belby , [I]174-neville do n't know whether ? ? "[174-neville] [Belby]303-belby , who was thin and nervous - looking , gave a strained smile . " ? and [this charming young lady]5035-this charming young lady tells [me]193-slughorn [she]5035-this charming young lady knows [you]136-harry ! "[193-slughorn] [Slughorn]193-slughorn finished . [Ginny]236-ginny grimaced at [Harry]136-harry and [Neville]174-neville from behind [Slughorn]193-slughorn 's back . " Well now , this is most pleasant , "[193-slughorn] said [Slughorn]193-slughorn cozily . " A chance to get to know [you]136-harry all a little better . Here , take a napkin . [I]193-slughorn 've packed [my]193-slughorn own lunch ; the trolley , as [I]193-slughorn remember it , is heavy on licorice wands , and [a poor old man]5036-a poor old man 's digestive system is n't quite up to such things . . . . Pheasant , [Belby]303-belby ? "[193-slughorn] [Belby]303-belby started and accepted what looked like half a cold pheasant . " [I]193-slughorn was just telling [young Marcus]303-belby here that [I]193-slughorn had the pleasure of teaching [[his]303-belby Uncle [Damocles]304-damocles]5037-his uncle damocles , "[193-slughorn] [Slughorn]193-slughorn told [Harry]136-harry and [Neville]174-neville , now passing around a basket of rolls . " [Outstanding wizard]5038-outstanding wizard , outstanding , and [his]303-belby Order of [Merlin]147-merlin most well - deserved . Do [you]303-belby see much of [[your]303-belby uncle]5039-your uncle , [Marcus]303-belby ? "[193-slughorn] Unfortunately , [Beiby]305-beiby had just taken a large mouthful of pheasant ; in [his]305-beiby haste to answer [Slughorn]193-slughorn [he]305-beiby swallowed too fast , turned purple , and began to choke . " [Anapneo]306-anapneo , "[193-slughorn] said [Slughorn]193-slughorn calmly , pointing [his]193-slughorn wand at [Belby]303-belby , whose airway seemed to clear at once . " Not . . . not much of [him]303-belby , no , "[303-belby] gasped [Belby]303-belby , [his]303-belby eyes streaming . " Well , of course , [I]193-slughorn daresay [he]303-belby 's busy , "[193-slughorn] said [Slughorn]193-slughorn , looking questioningly at [Belby]303-belby . " [I]193-slughorn doubt [he]303-belby invented the Wolfsbane Potion without considerable hard work ! "[193-slughorn] " [I]303-belby suppose . . . "[303-belby] said [Belby]303-belby , who seemed afraid to take another bite of pheasant until [he]303-belby was sure that [Slughorn]193-slughorn had finished with [him]303-belby . " Er ... [he]303-belby and [[my]303-belby dad]5008-my dad do n't get on very well , [you]303-belby see , so [I]303-belby do n't really know much about ... "[303-belby] [His]303-belby voice tailed away as [Slughorn]193-slughorn gave [him]303-belby a cold smile and turned to [McLaggen]302-mclaggen instead . " Now , [you]302-mclaggen , [Cormac]302-mclaggen , "[193-slughorn] said [Slughorn]193-slughorn , " [I]193-slughorn happen to know [you]302-mclaggen see a lot of [[your]302-mclaggen Uncle [Tiberius]307-your uncle tiberius]307-your uncle tiberius , because [he]307-your uncle tiberius has a rather splendid picture of the two of [you]302-mclaggen hunting nogtails in , [I]193-slughorn think , [Norfolk]308-norfolk ? "[193-slughorn] " Oh , yeah , that was fun , that was , "[302-mclaggen] said [McLaggen]302-mclaggen . " [We]5041-we went with [Bertie Higgs]309-bertie higgs and [Rufus Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour ? this was before [he]307-your uncle tiberius became [Minister]5042-minister , obviously ? quot ; "[302-mclaggen] Ah , [you]302-mclaggen know [Bertie]309-bertie higgs and [Rufus]148-scrimgeour too ? " beamed [Slughorn]193-slughorn , now offering around a small tray of pies ; somehow , [Belby]303-belby was missed out . "[302-mclaggen] Now tell [me]0-i . . . " It was as [Harry]136-harry had suspected . [Everyone here]5043-everyone here seemed to have been invited because [they]5043-everyone here were connected to [somebody well - known or influential]5044-somebody well - known or influential ? everyone except [Ginny]236-ginny . [Zabini]301-zabini , who was interrogated after [McLaggen]302-mclaggen , turned out to have [a famously beautiful witch]5045-a famously beautiful witch for [a mother]5046-a mother ( from what [Harry]136-harry could make out , [she]5046-a mother had been married seven times , each of [[her]5046-a mother husbands]5047-her husbands dying mysteriously and leaving [her]5046-a mother mounds of gold ) . It was [Neville]174-neville 's turn next : This was a very uncomfortable ten minutes , for [[Neville]174-neville 's parents]5048-neville 's parents , [well - known Aurors]5049-well - known aurors , had been tortured into insanity by [Bellatrix Lestrange]157-bellatrix and [a couple of [Death Eater cronies]5051-death eater cronies]5050-a couple of death eater cronies . At the end of [Neville]174-neville 's interview , [Harry]136-harry had the impression that [Slughorn]193-slughorn was reserving judgment on [Neville]174-neville , yet to see whether [he]174-neville had any of [[his]174-neville parents]1039-his parents ' flair . "[302-mclaggen] And now , " said [Slughorn]193-slughorn , shifting massively in [his]193-slughorn seat with the air of a compere introducing [his]193-slughorn star act . "[136-harry] [Harry Potter]136-harry ! Where to begin ? [I]0-i feel [I]0-i barely scratched the surface when [we]1470-we met over the summer ! " [He]193-slughorn contemplated [Harry]136-harry for a moment as though [he]136-harry was a particularly large and succulent piece of pheasant , then said , "[940-the chosen one] ' [The Chosen One]940-the chosen one , ' [they]1472-they 're calling [you]136-harry now ! " [Harry]136-harry said nothing . [Belby]303-belby , [McLaggen]302-mclaggen , and [Zabini]301-zabini were all staring at [him]136-harry . "[1472-they] Of course , " said [Slughorn]193-slughorn , watching [Harry]136-harry closely , "[1472-they] there have been rumors for years . ... [I]0-i remember when ? well ? after that terrible night ? [Lily]203-lily ? [James]136-harry ? and [you]136-harry survived ? and the word was that [you]136-harry must have powers beyond the ordinary ? quot ; [Zabini]301-zabini gave a tiny little cough that was clearly supposed to indicate amused skepticism . An angry voice burst out from behind [Slughorn]193-slughorn . " Yeah , [Zabini]301-zabini , because [you]301-zabini 're so talented ... at posing . . . . "[193-slughorn] " Oh dear ! "[193-slughorn] chuckled [Slughorn]193-slughorn comfortably , looking around at [Ginny]236-ginny , who was glaring at [Zabini]301-zabini around [Slughorn]193-slughorn 's great belly . " [You]301-zabini want to be careful , [Blaise]301-zabini ! [I]301-zabini saw [this young lady]5053-this young lady perform the most marvelous Bat - Bogey Hex as [I]301-zabini was passing [[her]5053-this young lady carriage]5054-her carriage ! [I]301-zabini would n't cross [her]5053-this young lady ! "[301-zabini] [Zabini]301-zabini merely looked contemptuous . " Anyway , "[193-slughorn] said [Slughorn]193-slughorn , turning back to [Harry]136-harry . " Such rumors this summer . Of course , [one]4729-one does n't know what to believe , [the Prophet]5056-the prophet has been known to print inaccuracies , make mistakes ? but there seems little doubt , given the number of [witnesses]5057-witnesses , that there was quite a disturbance at [the Ministry]17-the ministry and that [you]136-harry were there in the thick of it all ! "[193-slughorn] [Harry]136-harry , who could not see any way out of this without flatly lying , nodded but still said nothing . [Slughorn]193-slughorn beamed at [him]136-harry . " So modest , so modest , no wonder [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore is so fond ? [you]136-harry were there , then ? But the rest of the stories ? so sensational , of course , one does n't know quite what to believe ? this fabled prophecy , for instance ? quot ; "[193-slughorn] [We]1473-we never heard a prophecy , " said [Neville]174-neville , turning geranium pink as [he]174-neville said it . "[1473-we] That 's right , " said [Ginny]236-ginny staunchly . "[174-neville] [Neville]174-neville and [I]0-i were both there too , and all this ' Chosen One ' rubbish is just [the Prophet]5056-the prophet making things up as usual . " "[5056-the prophet] [You]1475-you were both there too , were [you]1475-you ? " said [Slughorn]193-slughorn with great interest , looking from [Ginny]236-ginny to [Neville]174-neville , but [both of [them]5058-both of them]5058-both of them sat clam - like before [his]193-slughorn encouraging smile . "[1475-you] Yes . . . well ... it is true that [the Prophet]5056-the prophet often exaggerates , of course . . . . " [Slughorn]193-slughorn said , sounding a little disappointed . "[5056-the prophet] [I]0-i remember [dear Gwenog]212-gwenog jones telling [me]0-i ( [Gwenog Jones]212-gwenog jones , [I]0-i mean , of course , [Captain of the Holyhead Harpies]1477-captain of the holyhead harpies ) ? quot ; [He]0-i meandered off into a long - winded reminiscence , but [Harry]136-harry had the distinct impression that [Slughorn]193-slughorn had not finished with [him]0-i , and that [he]136-harry had not been convinced by [Neville]174-neville and [Ginny]236-ginny . The afternoon wore on with more anecdotes about [illustrious wizards [Slughorn]193-slughorn]1478-illustrious wizards slughorn had taught , all of whom had been delighted to join what [he]193-slughorn called [the " Slug Club "[193-slughorn] at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts]1479-the " slug club " at hogwarts . [Harry]136-harry could not wait to leave , but could n't see how to do so politely . Finally [the train]1411-the train emerged from yet another long misty stretch into a red sunset , and [Slughorn]193-slughorn looked around , blinking in the twilight . " [Good gracious]5059-good gracious , it 's getting dark already ! [I]193-slughorn did n't notice that [they]5060-they 'd lit the lamps ! [You]136-harry 'd better go and change into [your]136-harry robes , all of [you]136-harry . [McLaggen]302-mclaggen , [you]136-harry must drop by and borrow that book on nogtails . [Harry]136-harry , [Blaise]301-zabini ? any time [you]136-harry 're passing . Same goes for [you]136-harry , [miss]5061-miss , "[193-slughorn] [he]193-slughorn twinkled at [Ginny]236-ginny . " Well , off [you]136-harry go , off [you]136-harry go ! "[193-slughorn] As [he]193-slughorn pushed past [Harry]136-harry into [the darkening corridor]1481-the darkening corridor , [Zabini]301-zabini shot [him]136-harry a filthy look that [Harry]136-harry returned with interest . [He]136-harry , [Ginny]236-ginny , and [Neville]174-neville followed [Zabini]301-zabini back along [the train]1411-the train . " [I]174-neville 'm glad that 's over , "[174-neville] muttered [Neville]174-neville . " [Strange man]5062-strange man , is n't [he]5062-strange man ? "[174-neville] " Yeah , [he]5062-strange man is a bit , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , [his]136-harry eyes on [Zabini]301-zabini . " How come [you]236-ginny ended up in [there]4506-there , [Ginny]236-ginny ? "[136-harry] " [He]5062-strange man saw [me]236-ginny hex [Zacharias Smith]310-zacharias smith , "[236-ginny] said [Ginny]236-ginny . " [You]236-ginny remember [that idiot from [Hufflepuff]311-hufflepuff who was in [the D.A.]57-the d.a.]5064-that idiot from hufflepuff who was in the d.a. ? [He]5062-strange man kept on and on asking about what happened at [the Ministry]4400-the ministry and in the end [he]5062-strange man annoyed [me]236-ginny so much [I]236-ginny hexed [him]5062-strange man ? when [Slughorn]193-slughorn came in [I]236-ginny thought [I]236-ginny was going to got detention , but [he]5062-strange man just thought it was ; [i]236-ginny really good hex and invited [me]236-ginny to lunch ! Mad , eh ? "[236-ginny] " Better reason for inviting [someone]5066-someone than because [[their]5066-someone mother]5067-their mother 's famous , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , scowling at the back of [Zabini]301-zabini 's head , " or because [[their]5066-someone uncle]5068-their uncle ? quot ; But [he]136-harry broke off . An idea had just occurred to [him]136-harry , a reckless but potentially wonderful idea . ... In a minute 's time , [Zabini]301-zabini was going to reenter [the Slytherin sixth - year compartment]5069-the slytherin sixth - year compartment and [Malfoy]170-malfoy would be sitting there , thinking [himself]170-malfoy unheard by [anybody]665-anybody except [fellow Slytherins]295-the slytherins . ... If [Harry]136-harry could only enter , unseen , behind [him]136-harry , what might [he]136-harry not see or hear ? True , there was little of the journey left ? [Hogsmeade Station]58-hogsmeade station had to be less than half an hour away , judging by the wildness of the scenery flashing by the windows ? but [nobody else]5071-nobody else seemed prepared to take [Harry]136-harry 's suspicions seriously , so it was down to [him]136-harry to prove them . "[136-harry] [I]0-i 'll see [you]1483-you two later , " said [Harry]136-harry under [his]136-harry breath , pulling out [his]136-harry Invisibility Cloak and flinging it over [himself]136-harry . "[236-ginny] But what 're [you]1483-you ? ? " asked [Neville]174-neville . "[1483-you] Later ! " whispered [Harry]136-harry , darting after [Zabini]301-zabini as quietly as possible , though the rattling of [the train]1411-the train made such caution almost pointless . [The corridors]1409-the corridors were almost completely empty now . [Nearly everyone]5074-nearly everyone had returned to [[their]5074-nearly everyone carriages]5075-their carriages to change into [their]5074-nearly everyone school robes and pack up [their]5074-nearly everyone possessions . Though [he]136-harry was as close as [he]136-harry could get to [Zabini]301-zabini without touching [him]301-zabini , [Harry]136-harry was not quick enough to slip into [the compartment]1441-the compartment when [Zabini]301-zabini opened the door . [Zabini]301-zabini was already sliding it shut when [Harry]136-harry hastily stuck out [his]136-harry foot to prevent it closing . "[1483-you] What 's wrong with this thing ? " said [Zabini]301-zabini angrily as [he]301-zabini smashed the sliding door repeatedly into [Harry]136-harry 's foot . [Harry]136-harry seized the door and pushed it open , hard ; [Zabini]301-zabini , still clinging on to the handle , toppled over sideways into [Gregory Goyle]312-goyle 's lap , and in the ensuing ruckus , [Harry]136-harry darted into [the compartment]1441-the compartment , leapt onto [Zabini]301-zabini 's temporarily empty seat , and hoisted [himself]136-harry up into the luggage rack . It was fortunate that [Goyle]312-goyle and [Zabini]301-zabini were snarling at each other , drawing all eyes onto [them]5078-them , for [Harry]136-harry was quite sure [his]136-harry feet and ankles had been revealed as the cloak had flapped around [them]5078-them ; indeed , for one horrible moment [he]136-harry thought [he]136-harry saw [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's eyes follow [his]170-malfoy trainer as it whipped upward out of sight . But then [Goyle]312-goyle slammed the door shut and flung [Zabini]301-zabini off [him]170-malfoy ; [Zabini]301-zabini collapsed into [his]301-zabini own seat looking ruffled , [Vincent Crabbe]313-crabbe returned to [his]313-crabbe comic , and [Malfoy]170-malfoy , sniggering , lay back down across two seats with [his]170-malfoy head in [Pansy]314-pansy Parkinsons lap . [Harry]136-harry lay curled uncomfortably under the cloak to ensure that every inch of [him]170-malfoy remained hidden , and watched [Pansy]314-pansy stroke the sleek blond hair off [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's forehead , smirking as [she]5079-she did so , as though [anyone]660-anyone would have loved to have been in [her]5079-she place . The lanterns swinging from the carriage ceiling cast a bright light over the scene : [Harry]136-harry could read every word of [Crabbe]313-crabbe 's comic directly below [him]136-harry . "[301-zabini] So , [Zabini]301-zabini , " said [Malfoy]170-malfoy , "[301-zabini] what did [Slughorn]193-slughorn want ? " "[193-slughorn] Just trying to make up to [well - connected people]1484-well - connected people , " said [Zabini]301-zabini , who was still glowering at [Goyle]312-goyle . "[193-slughorn] Not that [he]193-slughorn managed to find [many]1140-many . " This information did not seem to please [Malfoy]170-malfoy . "[193-slughorn] Who else had [he]193-slughorn invited ? " [he]170-malfoy demanded . "[302-mclaggen] [McLaggen]302-mclaggen from [Gryffindor]205-gryffindor , " said [Zabini]301-zabini . "[302-mclaggen] Oh yeah , [[his]302-mclaggen uncle]4586-his uncle 's big in [the Ministry]17-the ministry , " said [Malfoy]170-malfoy . "[4586-his uncle] ? someone else called [Belby]303-belby , from [Ravenclaw]583-ravenclaw ? quot ; " Not [him]193-slughorn , [he]193-slughorn 's a prat ! "[314-pansy] said [Pansy]314-pansy . " ? and [Longbottom]174-neville , [Potter]136-harry , and [that Weasley girl]5081-that weasley girl , "[301-zabini] finished [Zabini]301-zabini . [Malfoy]170-malfoy sat up very suddenly , knocking [Pansy]314-pansy 's hand aside . " [He]193-slughorn invited [Longbottom]174-neville ? . "[170-malfoy] " Well , [I]301-zabini assume so , as [Longbottom]174-neville was [there]4506-there , "[301-zabini] said [Zabini]301-zabini indifferently . " What 's [Longbottom]174-neville got to interest [Slughorn]193-slughorn ? "[301-zabini] [Zabini]301-zabini shrugged . " [Potter]136-harry , [precious Potter]136-harry , obviously [he]193-slughorn wanted a look at ' [the Chosen One]940-the chosen one , ' "[301-zabini] sneered [Malfoy]170-malfoy , " but [that Weasley girl]5081-that weasley girl ! What 's so special about [her??/p]5081-that weasley girl > "[170-malfoy] [A lot of [boys]1488-boys like [her]1489-her]1487-a lot of boys like her , " said [Pansy]314-pansy , watching [Malfoy]170-malfoy out of the corner of [her]1489-her eyes for [his]170-malfoy reaction . "[1488-boys] Even [you]170-malfoy think [she]1489-her 's good - looking , do n't [you]170-malfoy , [Blaise]301-zabini , and [we]1490-we all know how hard [you]170-malfoy are to please ! " [I]301-zabini would n't touch [a filthy little blood traitor like [her]1489-her]5085-a filthy little blood traitor like her whatever [she]1489-her looked like , "[301-zabini] said [Zabini]301-zabini coldly , and [Pansy]314-pansy looked pleased . [Malfoy]170-malfoy sank back across [her]1491-her lap and allowed [her]1491-her to resume the stroking of [his]170-malfoy hair . " Well , [I]170-malfoy pity [Slughorn]193-slughorn 's taste . Maybe [he]193-slughorn 's going a bit senile . Shame , [[my]170-malfoy father]5086-my father always said [he]5086-my father was [a good wizard]5087-a good wizard in [his]5086-my father day . [[My]170-malfoy father]5086-my father used to be a bit of a favorite of [his]5086-my father . [Slughorn]193-slughorn probably has n't heard [I]170-malfoy 'm on [the train]1411-the train , or ? quot ; "[170-malfoy] [I]0-i would n't bank on an invitation , " said [Zabini]301-zabini . "[170-malfoy] [He]170-malfoy asked [me]0-i about [[Notts]1492-notts father]1493-notts father when [I]0-i first arrived . [They]1494-they used to be [old friends]1495-old friends , apparently , but when [he]170-malfoy heard [he]170-malfoy 'd been caught at [the Ministry]4400-the ministry [he]170-malfoy did n't look happy , and [Nott]315-nott did n't get an invitation , did [he]170-malfoy ? 1 do n't think [Slughorn]193-slughorn 's interested in [Dearh Eaters]316-dearh eaters . " [Malfoy]170-malfoy looked angry , but forced out a singularly humorless laugh . "[193-slughorn] Well , who cares what [he]193-slughorn 's interested in ? What is [he]193-slughorn , when [you]1497-you come down to it ? Just [some stupid teacher]1498-some stupid teacher . " [Malfoy]170-malfoy yawned ostentatiously . "[1498-some stupid teacher] [I]0-i mean , [I]0-i might not even be at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts next year , what 's it matter to [me]0-i if [some fat old has - been]1499-some fat old has - been likes [me]0-i or not ? " "[1499-some fat old has - been] What do [you]0-i mean , [you]0-i might not be at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts next year ? " said [Pansy]314-pansy indignantly , ceasing grooming [Malfoy]170-malfoy at once . "[0-i] Well , [you]1497-you never know , " said [Malfoy]170-malfoy with the ghost of a smirk . "[0-i] [I]0-i might have ? er ? moved on to bigger and better things . " Crouched in the luggage rack under [his]170-malfoy cloak , [Harry]136-harry 's heart began to race . What would [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione say about this ? [Crabbe]313-crabbe and [Goyle]312-goyle were gawping at [Malfoy]170-malfoy ; apparently [they]5090-they had had no inkling of any plans to move on to bigger and better things . Even [Zabini]301-zabini had allowed a look of curiosity to mar [his]301-zabini haughty features . [Pansy]314-pansy resumed the slow stroking of [Malfoy]170-malfoy s hair , looking dumbfounded . "[0-i] Do [you]0-i mean — “ [Malfoy]170-malfoy shrugged . "[0-i] [Mother]265-mother wants [me]0-i to complete [my]0-i education , but personally , [I]0-i do n't see it as that important these days . [I]0-i mean , think about it . ... When [the Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord takes over , is [he]4469-the dark lord going to care how many [OWLs]317-owls or N.E.W.T.S [anyone]660-anyone 's got ? Of course [he]4469-the dark lord isn't?It'll be all about the kind of service [he]4469-the dark lord received , the level of devotion [he]4469-the dark lord was shown . " "[4469-the dark lord] And [you]0-i think [you]0-i 'll be able to do something for [him]4469-the dark lord ? " asked [Zabini]301-zabini scathingly . "[0-i] Sixteen years old and [noi]1502-noi even fully qualified yet ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i 've just said , have n't [I]0-i ? Maybe [he]4469-the dark lord does n't care if [I]0-i 'm qualified . Maybe the job [he]4469-the dark lord wants [me]0-i to do is n't something that [you]0-i need to be qualified for , " said [Malfoy]170-malfoy quietly . [Crabbe]313-crabbe and [Goyle]312-goyle were both sitting with [their]1503-their mouths open like gargoyles . [Pansy]314-pansy was gazing down at [Malfoy]170-malfoy as though [she]5091-she had never seen anything so awe - inspiring . "[4469-the dark lord] [I]0-i can see [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , " said [Malfoy]170-malfoy , clearly relishing the effect [he]170-malfoy had created as [he]170-malfoy pointed out of the blackened window . "[14-hogwarts] [We]1503-their 'd better get [our]1503-their robes on . " [Harry]136-harry was so busy staring at [Malfoy]170-malfoy , [he]136-harry did not notice [Goyle]312-goyle reaching up for [his]170-malfoy trunk ; as [he]170-malfoy swung it down , it hit [Harry]136-harry hard on the side of the head . [He]136-harry let out an involuntary gasp of pain , and [Malfoy]170-malfoy looked up at [the luggage rack]5092-the luggage rack , frowning . [Harry]136-harry was not afraid of [Malfoy]170-malfoy , but [he]136-harry still did not much like the idea of being discovered hiding under [his]136-harry Invisibility Cloak by [a group of unfriendly Slytherins]5093-a group of unfriendly slytherins . Eyes still watering and head still throbbing , [he]136-harry drew [his]136-harry wand , careful not to disarrange the cloak , and waited , breath held . To [his]136-harry relief , [Malfoy]170-malfoy seemed to decide that [he]170-malfoy had imagined the noise ; [he]170-malfoy pulled on [his]170-malfoy robes like the others , locked [his]170-malfoy trunk , and as [the train]1411-the train slowed to a jerky crawl , fastened a thick new traveling cloak round [his]170-malfoy neck . [Harry]136-harry could see [the corridors]1409-the corridors filling up again and hoped that [Hermione]194-hermione and [Ron]217-ron would take [his]170-malfoy things out onto [the platform]4975-the platform for [him]170-malfoy ; [he]170-malfoy was stuck where [he]170-malfoy was until [the compartment]1441-the compartment had quite emptied . At last , with a final lurch , [the train]1411-the train came to a complete halt . [Goyle]312-goyle threw the door open and muscled [his]170-malfoy way out into [a crowd of second years]5099-a crowd of second years , punching [them]5099-a crowd of second years aside ; [Crabbe]313-crabbe and [Zabini]301-zabini followed . "[1504-you] [You]1504-you go on , " [Malfoy]170-malfoy told [Pansy]314-pansy , who was waiting for [him]170-malfoy with [her]1504-you hand held out as though hoping [he]170-malfoy would hold it . "[1504-you] [I]0-i just want to check something . " [Pansy]314-pansy left . Now [Harry]136-harry and [Malfoy]170-malfoy were alone in [the compartment]1441-the compartment . [People]681-people were filing past , descending onto [the dark platform]5102-the dark platform . [Malfoy]170-malfoy moved over to the compartment door and let down the blinds , so that [people in the corridor beyond]5103-people in the corridor beyond could not peer in . [He]170-malfoy then bent down over [his]170-malfoy trunk and opened it again . [Harry]136-harry peered down over the edge of [the luggage rack]5092-the luggage rack , [his]136-harry heart pumping a little faster . What had [Malfoy]170-malfoy wanted to hide from [Pansy]314-pansy ? Was [he]170-malfoy about to see the mysterious broken object it was so important to mend ? "[0-i] Petrificus Totalus ! " Without warning , [Malfoy]170-malfoy pointed [his]170-malfoy wand at [Harry]136-harry , who was instantly paralyzed . As though in slow motion , [he]136-harry toppled out of [the luggage rack]5092-the luggage rack and fell , with an agonizing , floor - shaking crash , at [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's feet , the Invisibility Cloak trapped beneath [him]136-harry , [his]136-harry whole body revealed with [his]136-harry legs still curled absurdly into the cramped kneeling position . [He]136-harry could n't move a muscle ; [he]136-harry could only gaze up at [Malfoy]170-malfoy , who smiled broadly . "[0-i] [I]0-i thought so , " [he]0-i said jubilantly . "[0-i] [I]0-i heard [Goyle]312-goyle 's trunk hit [you]1505-you . And [I]0-i thought [I]0-i saw something white flash through the air after [Zabini]301-zabini came back . . . . " [His]170-malfoy eyes lingered for a moment upon [Harry]136-harry 's trainers . "[301-zabini] [You]1505-you did n't hear anything [I]0-i care about , [Potter]136-harry . But while [I]0-i 've got [you]1505-you here . . . " -=-Him And [he]0-i stamped , hard , on [Harry]136-harry 's face . [Harry]136-harry felt [his]136-harry nose break ; blood spurted everywhere . "[1505-you] That 's from [[my]0-i father]5086-my father . Now , let 's see . . . . " [Malfoy]170-malfoy dragged the cloak out from under [Harry]136-harry 's immobilized body and threw it over [him]136-harry . "[0-i] [I]0-i do n't reckon [they]1507-they 'll find [you]1505-you till [the trains]1508-the trains back in [London]60-london , " [he]0-i said quietly . "[1507-they] See [you]1505-you around , [Potter]136-harry ... or not . " And taking care to tread on [Harry]136-harry 's fingers , [Malfoy]170-malfoy left [the compartment]1441-the compartment .[136-harry] Chapter 8 : [Victorious Snape Harry]319-victorious snape harry could not move a muscle . [He]0-i lay there beneath the _ Invisibility Cloak feeling the blood from [his]0-i nose flow , hot and wet , over [his]0-i face , listening to the voices and footsteps in [the corridor beyond]1509-the corridor beyond . [His]0-i immediate thought was that [someone]5066-someone , would surely , would check [the compartments]1511-the compartments before [the train]1411-the train departed again . But at once came the dispiriting realization that even if [somebody]1513-somebody looked into [the compartment]1441-the compartment , [he]0-i would be neither seen nor heard . [His]0-i best hope was that [somebody else]1515-somebody else would walk in and step on [him]0-i . [Harry]319-victorious snape harry had never hated [Malfoy]170-malfoy more than as [he]319-victorious snape harry lay there , like an absurd turtle on its back , blood dripping sickeningly into [his]319-victorious snape harry open mouth . What a stupid situation to have landed [himself]319-victorious snape harry in ... and now the last few footsteps were dying away ; [everyone]4750-everyone was shuffling along [the dark platform outside]1517-the dark platform outside ; [he]319-victorious snape harry could hear the scraping of trunks and loud babble of talk . [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione would think that [he]319-victorious snape harry had left [the train]1411-the train without [them]1519-them . Once [they]1519-them arrived at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts and took [their]1519-them places in [the Great Hall]1520-the great hall , looked up and down [the Gryffindor table]1521-the gryffindor table a few times , and finally realized that [he]319-victorious snape harry was not there , [he]319-victorious snape harry , no doubt , would be halfway back to [London]60-london . [He]319-victorious snape harry tried to make a sound , even a grunt , but it was impossible . Then [he]319-victorious snape harry remembered that [some wizards]1522-some wizards , like [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , could perform spells without speaking , so [he]319-victorious snape harry tried to summon [his]319-victorious snape harry wand , which had fallen out of [his]319-victorious snape harry hand , by saying the words " Accio Wand ! "[319-victorious snape harry] over and over again in [his]319-victorious snape harry head , but nothing happened . [He]319-victorious snape harry thought [he]319-victorious snape harry could hear the rustling of the trees that surrounded [the lake]1523-the lake , and the far - off hoot of an owl , but no hint of a search being made or even ( [he]319-victorious snape harry despised [himself]319-victorious snape harry slightly for hoping it ) panicked voices wondering where [Harry Potter]136-harry had gone . A feeling of hopelessness spread through [him]319-victorious snape harry as [he]319-victorious snape harry imagined the convoy of [thestral - drawn carriages]1524-thestral - drawn carriages trundling up to [the school]1525-the school and the muffled yells of laughter issuing from [whichever carriage [Malfoy]170-malfoy was riding in]1526-whichever carriage malfoy was riding in , where [he]170-malfoy could be recounting [his]170-malfoy attack on [Harry]136-harry to [Crabbe]313-crabbe , [Goyle]312-goyle , [Zabini]301-zabini , and [Pansy Parkinson]314-pansy . [The train]1411-the train lurched , causing [Harry]136-harry to roll over onto [his]136-harry side . Now [he]136-harry was staring at the dusty underside of the seats instead of the ceiling . The floor began to vibrate as the engine roared into life . [The Express]1528-the express was leaving and [nobody]687-nobody knew [he]136-harry was still on [it]1528-the express ... Then [he]136-harry felt [his]136-harry Invisibility Cloak fly off [him]136-harry and a voice overhead said , " Wotcher , [Harry]136-harry . "[136-harry] There was a flash of red light and [Harry]136-harry 's body unfroze ; [he]136-harry was able to push [himself]136-harry into a more dignified sitting position , hastily wipe the blood off [his]136-harry bruised race with the back of [his]136-harry hand , and raise [his]136-harry head to look up at [Tonks]226-tonks , who was holding the Invisibiliiv Cloak [she]226-tonks had just pulled away . [We]1530-we 'd better get out of here , quickly , " [she]226-tonks said , as the train windows became obscured with steam and [they]1530-we began to move out of [the station]4969-the station . "[1530-we] Come on , [we]1530-we 'll jump . " [Harry]136-harry hurried after [her]226-tonks into [the corridor]4994-the corridor . [She]226-tonks pulled open the train door and leapt onto [the platform]4975-the platform , which seemed to be sliding underneath [them]1530-we as [the train]1411-the train gathered momentum . [He]136-harry followed [her]226-tonks , staggered a little on landing , then straightened up in time to see [the gleaming scarlet steam engine]5111-the gleaming scarlet steam engine pick up speed , round the corner , and disappear from view . The cold night air was soothing on [his]136-harry throbbing nose . [Tonks]226-tonks was looking at [him]136-harry ; [he]136-harry felt angry and embarrassed that [he]136-harry had been discovered in such a ridiculous position . Silently [she]226-tonks handed [him]136-harry back the Invisibility Cloak . “[1530-we] Who did it ? " “[170-malfoy] [Draco Malfoy]170-malfoy , ” said [Harry]136-harry bitterly . "[170-malfoy] Thanks for ... well ... " “[1530-we] No problem , ” said [Tonks]226-tonks , without smiling . From what [Harry]136-harry could see in the darkness , [she]226-tonks was as mousy - haired and miserable - lookinng as [she]226-tonks had been when [he]136-harry had met [her]226-tonks at [the Burrow]25-the burrow . "[1530-we] [I]0-i can fix [your]1531-you nose if [you]1531-you stand still . " [Harry]136-harry did not think much of this idea ; [he]136-harry had been intending to visit [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey , [the matron]5112-the matron , in whom [he]136-harry had a little more confidence when it came to Healing Spells , but it seemed rude to say this , so [he]136-harry stayed stock - still and closed [his]136-harry eyes , “[0-i] [Episkey]321-episkey " said [Tonks]226-tonks . [Harry]136-harry ’s nose felt very hot , and then very cold . [He]136-harry raised a hand and felt gingerly . It seemed to be mended . “[0-i] Thanks a lot ! " “[1531-you] [You]1531-you 'd better put that cloak back on , and [we]1532-we can walk up to [the school]1525-the school , " said [Tonks]226-tonks , still unsmiling . As [Harry]136-harry swung the cloak back over [himself]136-harry , [she]226-tonks waved [her]226-tonks wand ; an immense silvery four - legged creature erupted from it and streaked off into the darkness . '' Was that [a Patronus]5113-a patronus ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry , who had seen [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore send messages like this . " Yes , [I]136-harry 'm sending word to [the castle]4540-the castle that [I]136-harry 've got [you]1531-you or [they]4540-the castle 'll worry . Come on , [we]1532-we 'd better not dawdle . "[136-harry] [They]1532-we set off toward [the lane that led to [the school]1525-the school]1534-the lane that led to the school . " How did [you]226-tonks find [me]136-harry ? "[136-harry] " [I]136-harry noticed [you]1531-you had n't left [the train]1411-the train and [I]136-harry knew [you]1531-you had that cloak . [I]136-harry thought [you]1531-you might be hiding for some reason . When [I]136-harry saw the blinds were drawn down on [that compartment]5116-that compartment [I]136-harry thought [I]136-harry ’d check . "[136-harry] " But what are [you]226-tonks doing here , anyway ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry asked . " [I]226-tonks 'm stationed in [Hogsmeade]61-hogsmeade now , to give [the school]1525-the school extra protection , "[226-tonks] said [Tonks]226-tonks . " Is it just [you]136-harry who 's stationed up here , or — ? "[226-tonks] " No , [Proudfoot]322-proudfoot , [Savage]323-savage , and [Dawlish]324-dawlish are here too . "[226-tonks] " [Dawlish]324-dawlish , that [Auror Dumbledore]146-dumbledore attacked last year ? "[226-tonks] " That 's right . "[1536-they] [They]1536-they trudged up [the dark , deserted lane]1537-the dark , deserted lane , following [the freshly made carriage tracks]1538-the freshly made carriage tracks . [Harry]136-harry looked sideways at [Tonks]226-tonks under [his]136-harry cloak . Last year [she]226-tonks had been inquisitive ( to the point of being a little annoying at times ) , [she]226-tonks had laughed easily , [she]226-tonks had made jokes . Now [she]226-tonks seemed older and much more serious and purposeful . Was this all the effect of what had happened at [the Ministry]4400-the ministry ? [He]136-harry reflected uncomfortably that [Hermione]194-hermione would have suggested [he]136-harry say something consoling about [Sirius]144-sirius to [her]194-hermione , that it had n't been [her]194-hermione fault at all , but [he]136-harry could n't bring [himself]136-harry to do it . [He]136-harry was far from blaming [her]194-hermione for [Sirius]144-sirius 's death ; it was no more [her]194-hermione fault than [anyone else]1540-anyone else ’s ( and much less than [his]136-harry ) , but [he]136-harry did not like talking about [Sirius]144-sirius if [he]136-harry could avoid it . And so [they]1541-they tramped on through the cold night in silence , [Tonks]226-tonks 's long cloak whispering on the ground behind [them]1541-they . Having always traveled [there]4506-there by [carriage]1543-carriage , [Harry]136-harry had never before appreciated just how far [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts was from [Hogsmeade Station]58-hogsmeade station . With great relief [he]136-harry finally saw the tall pillars on either side of the gates , each topped with a winged boar . [He]136-harry was cold , [he]136-harry was hungry and [he]136-harry was quite keen to leave this new , gloomy [Tonks]226-tonks behind . But when [he]136-harry put out a hand to push open the gates , [he]136-harry found them chained shut . “ [Alohomora]326-alohomora ! "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said confidently , pointing [his]136-harry wand at the padlock , but nothing happened . “ That wo n't work on these , "[226-tonks] said [Tonks]226-tonks . " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore bewitched [them]5118-them [himself]146-dumbledore . "[226-tonks] [Harry]136-harry looked around , [I]0-i could climb a wall , " [he]0-i suggested . “[136-harry] No , [you]136-harry could n't , " said [Tonks]226-tonks flatly . "[136-harry] Anti - intruder jinxes on all of them . Security 's been tightened a hundredfold this summer . " “[136-harry] Well then , ” said [Harry]136-harry , starting to feel annoyed at [her]226-tonks lack of helpfulness , “[136-harry] [I]0-i suppose [I]0-i 'll just have to sleep out here and wait for morning . ” “[5066-someone] [Someone]5066-someone 's coming down for [you]136-harry , " said [Tonks]226-tonks , "[5066-someone] Look . " A lantern was bobbing at [the distant foot of [the castle]4540-the castle]5119-the distant foot of the castle . [Harry]136-harry was so pleased to see it [he]136-harry felt [he]136-harry could even endure [Filch]327-filch 's wheezy criticisms of [his]327-filch tardiness and rants about how [his]327-filch timekeeping would improve with the regular application of thumbscrews . It was not until the glowing yellow light was ten feet away from [them]5121-them , and had pulled off [his]327-filch Invisibility Cloak so that [he]327-filch could be seen , that [he]136-harry recognized , with a rush of pure loathing , the uplit hooked nose and long , black , greasy hair of [Severus Snape]156-snape . "[5066-someone] Well , well , well , " sneered [Snape]156-snape , taking out [his]156-snape wand and tapping the padlock once , so that the chains snaked backward and the gates creaked open . "[5066-someone] Nice of [you]136-harry to turn up , [Potter]136-harry , although [you]136-harry have evidently decided that the wearing of school robes would detract from [your]136-harry appearance . " "[136-harry] [I]0-i could n't change , [I]0-i did n't have [my]0-i — " [Harry]136-harry began , but [Snape]156-snape cut across [him]136-harry . "[0-i] There is no need to wait , [Nymphadora]225-nymphadora , [Potter]136-harry is quite — ah — safe in [my]0-i hands . " "[0-i] [I]0-i meant [Hagrid]218-hagrid to get the message , " said [Tonks]226-tonks , frowning . "[0-i] [Hagrid]218-hagrid was late for the start - of - term feast , just like [Potter]136-harry here , so [I]0-i took it instead . And incidentally , " said [Snape]156-snape , standing back to allow [Harry]136-harry to pass [him]0-i , "[0-i] [I]0-i was interested to see [[your]136-harry new Patronus]1545-your new patronus . " [He]156-snape shut the gates in [her]1545-your new patronus face with a loud clang and tapped the chains with [his]156-snape wand again , so that they slithered , clinking , back into place . "[1545-your new patronus] [I]0-i think [you]136-harry were better off with [the old one]1546-the old one , " said [Snape]156-snape , the malice in [his]156-snape voice unmistakable . "[0-i] [The new one]1547-the new one looks weak . " As [Snape]156-snape swung the lantern about , [Harry]136-harry saw , fleetingly , a look of shock and anger on [Tonks]226-tonks 's face . Then [she]1545-your new patronus was covered in darkness once more . "[1547-the new one] Good night , " [Harry]136-harry called to [her]1545-your new patronus over [his]136-harry shoulder , as [he]136-harry began the walk up to [the school]1525-the school with [Snape]156-snape . "[1547-the new one] Thanks for ... everything , " "[136-harry] See [you]136-harry , [Harry]136-harry . " [Snape]156-snape did not speak for a minute or so . [Harry]136-harry felt as though [his]136-harry body was generating waves of hatred so powerful that it seemed incredibie that [Snape]156-snape could not feel [them]5123-them burning [him]136-harry . [He]136-harry had loathed [Snape]156-snape from [their]5124-their first encounter , but [Snape]156-snape had placed [himself]156-snape forever and irrevocably beyond the possibility of [Harry]136-harry 's forgiveness by [his]156-snape attitude toward [Sirius]144-sirius . Whatever [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore said , [Harry]136-harry had had time to think over the summer , and had concluded that [Snape]156-snape 's snide remarks to [Sirius]144-sirius about remaining safely hidden while the rest of [the Order of the Phoenix]4525-the order of the phoenix were off fighting [Voldemort]192-voldemort had probably been a powerful factor in [Sirius]144-sirius rushing off to [the Ministry]4400-the ministry the night that [he]144-sirius had died . [Harry]136-harry clung to this notion , because it enabled [him]136-harry to blame [Snape]156-snape , which felt satisfying , and also because [he]136-harry knew that if [anyone]660-anyone was not sorry that [Sirius]144-sirius was dead , it was [the man now striding next to [him]136-harry in the darkness]5128-the man now striding next to him in the darkness . “[136-harry] Fifty points from [Gryffindor]205-gryffindor for lateness , [I]0-i think , " said [Snape]156-snape . “[0-i] And , let [me]0-i see , another twenty for [your]1548-you Muggle attire . [You]1548-you know , [I]0-i do n’t believe [any House]1549-any house has ever been in negative figures this early in the term : [We]1550-we have n't even started pudding . [You]1548-you might have set a record , [Potter]136-harry . " The fury and hatred bubbling inside [Harry]136-harry seemed to blaze white - hot , but [he]136-harry would rather have been immobilized all the way back to [London]60-london than tell [Snape]156-snape why [he]156-snape was late . “[136-harry] [I]0-i suppose [you]1548-you wanted to make an entrance , did [you]1548-you ? " [Snape]156-snape continued . "[1548-you] And with [no flying car]1551-no flying car available [you]1548-you decided that bursting into [the Great Hall]1520-the great hall halfway through the feast ought to create a dramatic effect . " Still [Harry]136-harry remained silent , though [he]136-harry thought [his]136-harry chest might explode . [He]136-harry knew that [Snape]156-snape had come to fetch [him]136-harry for this , for the few minutes when [he]156-snape could needle and torment [Harry]136-harry without [anyone else]1540-anyone else listening . [They]5130-they reached [the castle steps]5131-the castle steps at last and as the great oaken front doors swung open into [the vast flagged entrance hall]5132-the vast flagged entrance hall , a burst of talk and laughter and of tinkling plates and glasses greeted [them]5130-they through the doors standing open into the Great Hail . [Harry]136-harry wondered whether [he]136-harry could slip [his]136-harry Invisibility Cloak back on , thereby gaining [his]136-harry seat at the long Gryffindor table ( which , inconveniently , was the farthest from [the entrance hall]5133-the entrance hall ) without being noticed . As though [he]156-snape had read [Harry]136-harry 's mind , however , [Snape]156-snape said , "[1548-you] No cloak . [You]1553-you can walk in so that [everyone]4750-everyone sees [you]1553-you , which is what [you]1553-you wanted , [I]0-i 'm sure . " [Harry]136-harry turned on the spot and marched straight through the open doors : anything to get away from [Snape]156-snape . [The Great Hall]1520-the great hall with [its]1520-the great hall four long House tables and [its]1520-the great hall staff table set at the top of [the room]685-the room , was decorated as usual with floating candles that made the plates below glitter and glow . It was ail a shimmering blur to [Harry]136-harry , however , who walked so fast that [he]136-harry was passing the Hufflepuff table before [people]681-people really started to stare , and by the time [they]681-people were standing up to get a good look at [him]136-harry , [he]136-harry had spotted [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione , sped along [the benches]5137-the benches toward [them]681-people , [.mil]328-.mil forced [his]136-harry way in between [them]681-people . "[1555-you] Where 've [you]1555-you — [blimey]246-blimey , what 've [you]1555-you done to [your]1555-you face ? " said [Ron]217-ron , goggling at [him]1555-you along with [everyone else in the vicinity]5138-everyone else in the vicinity . [I]1555-you "[1555-you] Why , what 's wrong with it ? " said [Harry]136-harry , grabbing a spoon and squinting at [his]136-harry distorted reflection . "[1555-you] [You]1555-you 're covered in blood ! " said [Hermione]194-hermione . "[1555-you] Come here — " [She]194-hermione raised [her]194-hermione wand , said "[1555-you] Tergeo ! " and siphoned off the dried blood . "[1555-you] Thanks , " said [Harry]136-harry , feeling [his]136-harry now clean face . "[1555-you] How 's [my]0-i nose looking ? “ Normal , "[329-hermoine] said [Hermoine]329-hermoine anxiously . " Why should n't it ? [Harry]136-harry , what happened ? [We]5139-we 've been terrified ! "[329-hermoine] “ [I]136-harry 'll tell [you]194-hermione later , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry curtly . [He]136-harry was very conscious that [Ginny]236-ginny , [Neville]174-neville , [Dean]261-dean , and [Seamus]330-seamus were listening in ; even [Nearly Headless Nick]331-nearly headless nick , [the Gryffindor ghost]1556-the gryffindor ghost , had come floating along the bench to eavesdrop . “ But — "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione . “ Not now , [Hermione]194-hermione , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , in a darkly significant voice . [He]136-harry hoped very much that [they]1557-they would all assume [he]136-harry had been involved in something heroic , preferably involving [a couple of Death Eaters]1558-a couple of death eaters and [a dementor]1559-a dementor . Of course , [Malfoy]170-malfoy would spread the story as wide as [he]170-malfoy could , but there was always a chance it would n't reach too many Gryffindor ears . [He]136-harry reached across [Ron]217-ron for a couple of chicken legs and a handful chips , but before [he]136-harry could take them they vanished , to be replaced with puddings . “ [You]136-harry missed the Sorting , anyway , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , as [Ron]217-ron dived a largt : chocolate gateau . “ [Hat]332-hat say anything interesting ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry , taking a piece of treacle tart . “ More of the same , really . . . advising [us]5140-us all to unite in the face enemies , [you]136-harry know . "[136-harry] “ [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore mentioned [Voldemort]192-voldemort at all ? "[136-harry] Not yet , but [he]136-harry always saves [his]136-harry proper speech for after the the feast does n't [he]136-harry ? It ca n't be long now . " “[156-snape] [Snape]156-snape said [Hagrid]218-hagrid was late for the feast — " “[156-snape] [You]136-harry 've seen [Snape]156-snape ? How come ? " said [Ron]217-ron between frenzied mouthfuls of gateau . "[156-snape] Bumped into [him]156-snape , " said [Harry]136-harry evasively . "[156-snape] [Hagrid]218-hagrid was only a few minutes late , " said [Hermione]194-hermione . "[218-hagrid] Look , [he]156-snape 's waving at [you]136-harry , [Harry]136-harry . " [Harry]136-harry looked up at the staff table and grinned at [Hagrid]218-hagrid , who was indeed waving at [him]136-harry . [Hagrid]218-hagrid had never quite managed to comport [himself]218-hagrid with the dignity of [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall , [Head of [Gryffindor House]62-gryffindor house]5141-head of gryffindor house , the top of whose head came up to somewhere between [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's elbow and shoulder as [they]5142-they were sitting side by side , and who was looking disapprovingly at this enthusiastic greeting . [Harry]136-harry was surprised to see [the Divination teacher]5143-the divination teacher , [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney , sitting on [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's other side ; [she]5143-the divination teacher rarely left [[her]5143-the divination teacher tower room]5144-her tower room , and [he]136-harry had never seen [her]5143-the divination teacher at the start - of - term feast before . [She]5143-the divination teacher looked as odd as ever , glittering with beads and trailing shawls , [her]5143-the divination teacher eyes magnified to enormous size by [her]5143-the divination teacher spectacles . Having always considered [her]5143-the divination teacher a bit of [a fraud]5145-a fraud , [Harry]136-harry had been shocked to discover at the end of the previous term that it had been [she]5143-the divination teacher who had made the prediction that caused [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort to kill [[Harry]136-harry 's parents]5146-harry 's parents and attack [Harry]136-harry [himself]136-harry . The knowledge made [him]136-harry even less eager to find [himself]136-harry in [her]5143-the divination teacher company , thankfully , this year [he]136-harry would be dropping Divination . [Her]5143-the divination teacher great beaconlike eyes swiveled in [his]136-harry direction ; [he]136-harry hastily looked away toward the Slytherin table . [Draco Malfoy]170-malfoy was miming the shatterering of a nose to raucous laughter and applause . [Harry]136-harry dropped [his]136-harry gaze to [his]136-harry treacle tart , [his]136-harry insides burning again . What [he]136-harry would give to fight [Malfoy]170-malfoy one - on - one ... "[136-harry] So what did [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn want ? " [Hermione]194-hermione asked . "[216-slughorn] To know what really happened at [the Ministry]4400-the ministry . " said [Harry]136-harry . "[216-slughorn] [Him]216-slughorn and [everyone else here]1561-everyone else here , " sniffed [Hermione]194-hermione . "[216-slughorn] [People]681-people were interrogating [us]1563-us about it on [the train]1411-the train , were n't [they]681-people , [Ron]217-ron ? " "[217-ron] Yeah , " said [Ron]217-ron . "[1565-all] [All]1565-all wanting to know if [you]217-ron really are ' [the Chosen One]940-the chosen one ' — " "[1565-all] There has been much talk on that very subject even amongst [the ghosts]1567-the ghosts , " interrupted [Nearly Headless Nick]331-nearly headless nick , inclining [his]331-nearly headless nick barely connected head toward [Harry]136-harry so that it wobbled dangerously on its ruff . "[0-i] [I]0-i am considered something of [a Potter authority]1568-a potter authority ; it is widely known that [we]1563-us are friendly . [I]0-i have assured [the spirit community]1569-the spirit community that [I]0-i will not pester [you]217-ron for information , however . ' [Harry Potter]136-harry knows that [he]136-harry can confide in [me]0-i with complete confidence , ' [I]0-i told [them]1569-the spirit community . ' [I]0-i would rather die than betray [his]136-harry trust . ' " “[0-i] That 's nor saying much , seeing as [you]217-ron 're already dead , " [Ron]217-ron observed . “[217-ron] Once again , [you]217-ron show all the sensitivity of a blunt axe , " said [Nearly Headless Nick]331-nearly headless nick in affronted tones , and [he]331-nearly headless nick rose into the air glided back toward the far end of the Gryffindor table just as [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore got to [his]146-dumbledore feet at the staff table . The talk and laughter echoing around [the Hall]4616-the hall died away almost instantly . "[217-ron] The very best of evenings to [you]217-ron ! " [he]146-dumbledore said , smiling broadly , [his]146-dumbledore arms opened wide as though to embrace [the whole room]5148-the whole room . “[217-ron] What happened to [his]136-harry hand ? " gasped [Hermione]194-hermione . [She]194-hermione was not the only one who had noticed . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's right hand was as blackened and dead - looking as it had been on the night [he]146-dumbledore had come to fetch [Harry]136-harry from [the Dursleys]177-the dursleys . Whispers it [the room]685-the room ; [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , interpreting [them]177-the dursleys correctly , merely smiled and shook [his]146-dumbledore purple - and - gold sleeve over [his]146-dumbledore injury . “[217-ron] Nothing to worry about , " [he]146-dumbledore said airily . "[217-ron] Now ... to [[our]1570-our new students]1571-our new students , welcome , to [[our]1570-our old students]1572-our old students , welcome back ! Another year full of magical education awaits [you]1571-our new students . .. " "[136-harry] [His]136-harry hand was like that when [I]0-i saw [him]136-harry over the summer , " [Harry]136-harry whispered to [Hermione]194-hermione . "[136-harry] [I]0-i thought [he]136-harry 'd have cured it by now , though ... or [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey would 've done . " "[320-madam pomfrey] It looks as if it 's died , " said [Hermione]194-hermione , with a nauseated expression . "[320-madam pomfrey] But there are some injuries [you]1571-our new students ca n't cure ... old curses … and there are poisons without antidotes . . . . " "[327-filch] . . . and [Mr. Filch]327-filch , [[our]1570-our caretaker]1573-our caretaker , has asked [me]0-i to say chat there is a blanket ban on any joke items bought at the shop called [Weasleys]219-the weasleys ' Wizard Wheezes . " [Those wishing to play for [[their]5150-those wishing to play for their house quidditch teams House Quidditch teams]5151-their house quidditch teams]5150-those wishing to play for their house quidditch teams should give [their]5150-those wishing to play for their house quidditch teams names to [[their]5150-those wishing to play for their house quidditch teams Heads of House]5152-their heads of house as usual . [We]1570-our are also looking for new Quidditch commentators , who should do likewise . "[1570-our] [We]1570-our are pleased to welcome [a new member of staff this year]1574-a new member of staff this year , [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn " — [Slughorn]216-slughorn stood up , [his]216-slughorn bald head gleaming in the candlelight , [his]216-slughorn big waistcoated belly casting the table into shadow — "[0-i] is [a former colleague of [mine]0-i who has agreed resume [his]216-slughorn old post of [Potions master]1576-potions master]1575-a former colleague of mine who has agreed resume his old post of potions master . " "[1576-potions master] Potions ? " "[1576-potions master] Potions ? " The word echoed all over [the Hall]4616-the hall as [people]681-people wondered wheel [they]681-people had heard right . "[1576-potions master] Potions ? " said [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione together , turning to stare [Harry]136-harry . "[0-i] But [you]0-i said — " "[0-i] [Professor Snape]221-snape , meanwhile , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , raising voice so that it carried over all the muttering , "[221-snape] will be taking the position of Defense Against [the Dark Arts teacher]4779-the dark arts teacher . " "[136-harry] No ! " said [Harry]136-harry , so loudly that many heads turned in [his]136-harry direction . [He]136-harry did not care ; [he]136-harry was staring up at the staff table , incensed . How could [Snape]221-snape be given the Defense Against the Dark Arts job after all this time ? Had n't it been widely known for years that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore did not trust [him]136-harry to do it ? “[136-harry] But [Harry]136-harry , [you]136-harry said that [Slughorn]216-slughorn was going to be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts ! " said [Hermione]194-hermione . "[216-slughorn] [I]0-i thought [he]216-slughorn was ! " said [Harry]136-harry , racking [his]136-harry brains to remember when [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had told [him]136-harry this , but now that [he]136-harry came to think of it , [he]136-harry was unable to recall [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ever telling [him]136-harry what [Slughorn]216-slughorn would be teaching . [Snape]221-snape , who was sitting on [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's right , did not stand up [his]221-snape mention of [his]221-snape name ; [he]221-snape merely raised a hand in lazy acknowledgment of the applause from the Slytherin table , yet [Harry]136-harry was sure [he]136-harry could detect a look of triumph on the features [he]136-harry loathed so much . “[216-slughorn] Well , there 's one good thing , " [he]221-snape said savagely . "[334-snape'll] [Snape'll]334-snape'll be gone by the end of the year . " “[334-snape'll] What do [you]1578-you mean ? " asked [Ron]217-ron . “[1578-you] That job 's jinxed . [No ones]1579-no ones lasted more than a year . . . . [Quirrell]165-quirrell actually died doing it . . . . Personally , [I]0-i 'm going to keep [my]0-i fingers crossed for another death . . . . " “[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry ! " said [Hermione]194-hermione , shocked and reproachful . “[334-snape'll] [He]334-snape'll might just go back to teaching Potions at the end of the year " said [Ron]217-ron reasonably . "[334-snape'll] That [Slughorn bloke]216-slughorn might not want to stay long - term . [Moody]228-mad - eye moody did n't . " “[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore cleared [his]146-dumbledore throat . [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , and [Hermione]194-hermione were not [the only ones who had been talking]1580-the only ones who had been talking ; [the whole Hall]1581-the whole hall had erupted in a buzz of conversation at the news that [Snape]221-snape had finally achieved [his]221-snape heart ’s desire . Seemingly oblivious to the sensational nature of the news [he]146-dumbledore had just imparted , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore said nothing more about staff appointments , but waited a few seconds to ensure that the silence was absolute before continuing . " Now , as [everybody in [this Hall]5156-this hall]5155-everybody in this hall knows , [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort and [[his]192-voldemort followers]4401-his followers are once more at large and gaining in strength . "[146-dumbledore] The silence seemed to tauten and strain as [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore spoke . [Harry]136-harry glanced at [Malfoy]170-malfoy . [Malfoy]170-malfoy was not looking at [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , but making [his]170-malfoy fork hover in midair with [his]170-malfoy wand , as though [he]170-malfoy found [the headmaster]1054-the headmaster 's words unworthy of [his]170-malfoy attention . " [I]146-dumbledore can not emphasize strongly enough how dangerous the present situation is , and how much care [each of [us]5159-we at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts]5158-each of us at hogwarts must take to ensure that [we]5159-we remain safe . [[The castle]4540-the castle ’s magical fortifications]5161-the castle ’s magical fortifications have been strengthened over the summer , [we]5159-we are protected in new and more powerful ways , but [we]5159-we must still guard scrupulously against carelessness on the part of [any student]5162-any student or [member of staff]5163-member of staff . [I]146-dumbledore urge [you]5164-you , therefore , to abide by any security restrictions that [[you]5164-you teachers]5165-you teachers might impose upon [you]5164-you , however irksome [you]5164-you might find [them]5165-you teachers — in particular , the rule that [you]5164-you are not to be out of after hours . [I]146-dumbledore implore [you]5164-you , should [you]5164-you notice anything strange or suspicious within or outside [the castle]4540-the castle , to report it to [a member of staff]5167-a member of staff immediately . [I]146-dumbledore trust [you]5164-you to conduct [yourselves]5164-you , always , with the utmost regard for [your]5164-you own and [others]4568-others ' safety . "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's blue eyes swept over [the students]1583-the students before [he]146-dumbledore smiled once more . " But now , [your]5164-you beds await , as warm and comfortable as [you]5164-you could possibly wish , and [I]146-dumbledore know that [your]5164-you top priority is to be well - rested for [your]5164-you lessons tomorrow . Let [us]5169-us therefore say good night . [Pip pip]335-pip pip ! "[146-dumbledore] With the usual deafening scraping noise , the benches moved back and [the hundreds of students]1584-the hundreds of students began to file out of [the Great Hall]1520-the great hall toward [[their]1584-the hundreds of students dormitories]1586-their dormitories . [Harry]136-harry , who was in no hurry at all to leave with [the gawping crowd]1587-the gawping crowd , nor to get near enough to [Malfoy]170-malfoy to allow [him]136-harry to retell the story of the nose - stamping , lagged behind , pretending to retie the lace on [his]136-harry trainer , allowing [most of [Gryffindors]336-gryffindors]1588-most of gryffindors to draw ahead of [him]136-harry . [Hermione]194-hermione had darted ahead to fulfill [[her]194-hermione prefect]1589-her prefect 's duty of shepherding the first years , but [Ron]217-ron remained with [Harry]136-harry . “ What really happened to [your]217-ron nose ? "[217-ron] [he]217-ron asked , once [they]1590-they were at the very back of the throng pressing out of [the Hall]4616-the hall , and out of earshot of [anyone else]1540-anyone else . [Harry]136-harry told [him]217-ron . It was a mark of the strength of [their]1590-they friendship that [Ron]217-ron did not laugh . “ [I]217-ron saw [Malfoy]170-malfoy miming something to do with a nose , "[217-ron] [he]217-ron said darkly . “ Yeah , well , never mind that , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry bitterly . " Listen to what [he]170-malfoy was saying before [he]170-malfoy found out [I]217-ron was [there]4506-there . . . . "[217-ron] “ [Harry]136-harry had expected [Ron]217-ron to be stunned by [Malfoys]266-the malfoys boasts . With what [Harry]136-harry considered pure pigheadedness , however , [Ron]217-ron was unimpressed . “[1593-he] Come on , [Harry]136-harry , [he]1593-he was just showing off for [Parkinson]314-pansy … . What kind of mission would [You]136-harry - Know - Who have given [him]1593-he ? " “[136-harry] How [d'you]136-harry know [Voldemort]192-voldemort does n't need someone at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts ? It would n't be the first — " “[0-i] [I]0-i wish [yeh'd]136-harry stop sayin ' [tha]136-harry name , [Harry]136-harry , " said a reproachful voice behind [them]5171-them . [Harry]136-harry looked over [his]136-harry shoulder to see [Hagtid]337-hagtid shaking [his]337-hagtid head . "[136-harry] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore uses that name , " said [Harry]136-harry stubbornly “[146-dumbledore] Yeah , well , tha 's [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , innit ? " said [Hagrid]218-hagrid mysteriously . “[146-dumbledore] So how come [yeh]136-harry were late , [Harry]136-harry ? [I]0-i was worried . " "[0-i] Got held up on [the train]1411-the train , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[0-i] Why were [you]0-i late ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i was with [Grawp]338-grawp , " said [Hagrid]218-hagrid happily . "[338-grawp] [Los]339-los ' track o ' the time . [He]338-grawp 's got [a new home up in [the mountains]1596-the mountains]1595-a new home up in the mountains now , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore fixed [it]1595-a new home up in the mountains — nice big cave . [He]338-grawp 's much happier than [he]338-grawp was in [the forest]4680-the forest . [We]1598-we were havin' a good chat . " "[1598-we] Really ? " said [Harry]136-harry , taking care not to catch [Ron]217-ron 's eye ; the last time [he]136-harry had met [[Hagrid]218-hagrid 's half - brother]5172-hagrid 's half - brother , [a vicious giant with a talent for ripping up trees by the roots]5173-a vicious giant with a talent for ripping up trees by the roots , [his]5172-hagrid 's half - brother vocabulary had comprised five words , two of which [he]5172-hagrid 's half - brother was unable to pronounce properly . "[1598-we] Oh yeah , [he]338-grawp 's really come on , " said [Hagrid]218-hagrid proudly . "[338-grawp] [Yeh'll]1599-yeh be amazed . [I]0-i 'm thinkin ' o ' trainin ' [him]338-grawp up as [[me]0-i assistant]1600-me assistant . " [Ron]217-ron snorted loudly , but managed to pass it off as a violent sneeze . [They]5174-they were now standing beside the oak front doors . "[0-i] Anyway , [I]0-i 'll see [yeh]1599-yeh tomorrow , firs ' lesson 's straight after lunch . Come early an ' [yeh]1599-yeh can say hello ter [Buck]340-buck — [I]0-i mean , [Witherwings]259-witherwings ! ” Raising an arm in cheery farewell , [he]0-i headed out of the doors into the darkness . [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron looked at [each other]4377-each other . [Harry]136-harry could tell that [Ku|]341-ku| was experiencing the same sinking feeling as [himself]341-ku| . "[340-buck] [You]0-i 're not taking Care of [Magical Creatures]1601-magical creatures , are [you]0-i ? " [Ron]217-ron shook [his]217-ron head . "[0-i] And [you]0-i 're not either , are [you]0-i ? " [Harry]136-harry shook [his]136-harry head too . "[0-i] And [Hermione]194-hermione , " said [Ron]217-ron , "[194-hermione] [she]194-hermione 's not , is [she]194-hermione ? " [Harry]136-harry shook [his]136-harry head again . Exactly what [Hagrid]218-hagrid would say when [he]217-ron realized [[his]217-ron three favorite students]5176-his three favorite students had given up [his]217-ron subject , [he]217-ron did not like to think .[194-hermione] Chapter 9 : [The Half - Blood Prince Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron met [Hermione]194-hermione in [the common room]1602-the common room before breakfast next morning . Hoping for some support in [his]217-ron theory , [Harry]136-harry lost no time in telling [Hermione]194-hermione what [he]136-harry had overheard [Malfoy]170-malfoy saying on the [Hogwarts Express]64-hogwarts express . " But [he]170-malfoy was obviously showing off for [Parkinson]314-pansy , was n't [he]170-malfoy ? "[217-ron] interjected [Ron]217-ron quickly , before [Hermione]194-hermione could say anything . " Well , "[194-hermione] [she]194-hermione said uncertainly , " [I]194-hermione do n't know . ... It would be like [Malfoy]170-malfoy make [himself]170-malfoy seem more important than [he]170-malfoy is ... but that 's a big lie to tell . . . . "[194-hermione] " Exactly , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , but [he]136-harry could nor press the point , because [so many people]1603-so many people were trying to listen in to [his]136-harry conversation , not to mention staring at [him]136-harry and whispering behind [their]1603-so many people hands . " It 's rude to point , "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron snapped at [a particularly minuscule first - year boy]1604-a particularly minuscule first - year boy as [they]1605-they joined the queue to climb out of the portrait hole . [The boy]4442-the boy , who had been muttering something about [Harry]136-harry behind [his]4442-the boy hand to [[his]4442-the boy friend]1607-his friend , promptly turned scarlet and toppled out of the hole in alarm . [Ron]217-ron sniggered . " [I]217-ron love being a sixth year . And were going to be getting free time this year . Whole periods when [we]1605-they can just sit up here and relax . "[217-ron] " [We]1605-they 're going to need that time for studying , [Ron]217-ron ! "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , as [they]1605-they set off down [the corridor]4994-the corridor . " Yeah , but not today , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron . " Today 's going to be a real doss , [I]217-ron reckon . "[217-ron] " Hold it ! "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , throwing out an arm and halting a passing fourth year , who was attempting to push past [her]194-hermione with a lime - green disk clutched tightly in [his]217-ron hand . " Fanged Frisbees banned , hand it over , "[194-hermione] [she]194-hermione told [him]217-ron sternly . [The scowling boy]1609-the scowling boy handed over the snarling Frisbee , ducked under [her]194-hermione arm , and took off after [[his]1609-the scowling boy friends]1610-his friends . [Ron]217-ron waited for [him]217-ron to vanish , then tugged the Frisbee from [Hermione]194-hermione 's grip . " Excellent , [I]217-ron 've always wanted one of these . "[217-ron] [Hermione]194-hermione 's remonstration was drowned by a loud giggle ; [Lavender Brown]343-lavender had apparently found [Ron]217-ron 's remark highly amusing . [She]343-lavender continued to laugh as [she]343-lavender passed [them]1610-his friends , glancing back at [Ron]217-ron over [her]343-lavender shoulder . [Ron]217-ron looked rather pleased with [himself]217-ron . The ceiling of [the Great Hall]1520-the great hall was serenely blue and streaked with frail , wispy clouds , just like the squares of sky visible through the high mullioned windows . While [they]1610-his friends tucked into porridge and eggs and bacon , [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron told [Hermione]194-hermione about [their]1610-his friends embarassing conversation with [Hagrid]218-hagrid the previous evening . " But [he]217-ron ca n't really think [we]1610-his friends 'd continue Care of [Magical Creatures]1601-magical creatures ! "[194-hermione] [she]194-hermione said , looking distressed . " [I]194-hermione mean , when has any of [us]1610-his friends expressed . . . [you]217-ron know . . . any enthusiasm ? "[194-hermione] " That 's it , though , innit ? "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , swallowing an entire fried egg whole . " [We]1610-his friends were [the ones who made the most effort in classes]5178-the ones who made the most effort in classes because [we]1610-his friends like [Hagrid]218-hagrid . But [he]217-ron thinks [we]1610-his friends liked the stupid subject . D'ya reckon [anyone]660-anyone 's going to go on to N.E.W.T. ? "[217-ron] Neither [Harry]136-harry nor [Hermione]194-hermione answered ; there was no need . [They]1610-his friends knew perfectly well that [nobody]687-nobody in [their]1610-his friends year would want to continue Care of Magical Creatures . [They]1610-his friends avoided [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's eye and returned [his]1613-his cheery wave only half - heartedly when [he]1613-his left the staff table ten minutes later . After [they]1610-his friends had eaten , [they]1610-his friends remained in [their]1610-his friends places , awaiting [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall 's descent from the staff table . The distribution of class schedules was more complicated than usual this year , for [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall needed first to confirm that [everybody]4716-everybody had achieved the necessary O.W.L. grades to continue with [their]4716-everybody chosen N.E.W.T.s . [Hermione]194-hermione was immediately cleared to continue with Charms , Defense Against the Dark Arts , Transfiguration , Herbology , Arithmancy , Ancient Runes , and Potions , and shot off to a first period Ancient Runes class without further ado . [Neville]174-neville took a little longer to sort out ; [his]174-neville round face was anxious as [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall looked down [his]174-neville application and then consulted [his]174-neville O.W.L results . " Herbology , fine , "[251-professor mcgonagall] [she]251-professor mcgonagall said . " [Professor Sprout]344-professor sprout will be delighted to see [you]174-neville back with an ' Outstanding ' O.W.L. And [you]174-neville qualify for Defense Against the Dark Arts with ' Exceeds Expectations . ' But the problem is Transfiguration . [I]251-professor mcgonagall 'm sorry , [Longbottom]174-neville , but an ' Acceptable ' really is n't good enough to continue to N.E.W.T. level . Just do n't think [you]174-neville 'd be able to cope with the coursework . "[251-professor mcgonagall] [Neville]174-neville hung [his]174-neville head . [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall peered at [him]174-neville through [her]251-professor mcgonagall square spectacles . " Why do [you]174-neville want to continue with Transfiguration , anyway ? [I]251-professor mcgonagall 've never had the impression that [you]174-neville particularly enjoyed it . "[251-professor mcgonagall] [Neville]174-neville looked miserable and muttered something about " [[my]174-neville grandmother]5180-my grandmother wants . "[174-neville] " Hmph , "[345-professot mcgonagall] snorted [Professot McGonagall]345-professot mcgonagall . " It 's high time [[your]174-neville grandmother]5181-your grandmother learned to be proud of [the grandson [she]5181-your grandmother 's got]5182-the grandson she 's got , rather than the one [she]5181-your grandmother thinks [she]5181-your grandmother ought to have - particularly after what happened at [the Ministry]17-the ministry . "[345-professot mcgonagall] [Neville]174-neville turned very pink and blinked confusedly ; [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall had never paid [him]174-neville a compliment before . " [I]251-professor mcgonagall 'm sorry , [Longbottom]174-neville , but [I]251-professor mcgonagall can not let [you]174-neville into [my]251-professor mcgonagall N.E.W.T. class . [I]251-professor mcgonagall see that [you]174-neville have an ' Exceeds Expectations ' in Charm however - why not try for a N.E.W.T. in Charms ? "[251-professor mcgonagall] " [[My]174-neville grandmother]5180-my grandmother thinks Charms is a soft option , "[174-neville] mumbled [Neville]174-neville . " Take Charms , "[251-professor mcgonagall] said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall , " and [I]251-professor mcgonagall shall drop [Augusta]173-mrs. augusta longbottom a line reminding [her]173-mrs. augusta longbottom that just because [she]173-mrs. augusta longbottom failed [her]173-mrs. augusta longbottom Charms O.W.L. , the subject is not necessarily worthless . "[251-professor mcgonagall] Smiling slightly at the look of delighted incredulity on [Neville]174-neville 's face , [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall tapped a blank schedule with the tip of [her]251-professor mcgonagall wand and handed it , now carrying details of [his]174-neville new classes , to [Neville]174-neville . [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall turned next to [Parvati Patil]346-parvati , whose first question was whether [Firenze]347-firenze , [the handsome centaur]1615-the handsome centaur , was still teaching Divination . " [He]347-firenze and [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney are dividing classes between [them]5184-them this year , "[251-professor mcgonagall] said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall , a hint of disapproval in [her]251-professor mcgonagall voice ; it was common knowledge that [she]251-professor mcgonagall despised the subject of Divination . " The sixth year is being taken by [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney . "[346-parvati] [Parvati]346-parvati set off for Divination five minutes later looking slightly crestfallen . " So , [Potter]136-harry , [Potter]136-harry . . . "[251-professor mcgonagall] said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall , consulting [her]251-professor mcgonagall notes as [she]251-professor mcgonagall turned to [Harry]136-harry . " Charms , Defense Against the Dark Arts , Herbology , Transfiguration ... all fine . [I]251-professor mcgonagall must say , [I]251-professor mcgonagall was pleased with [your]136-harry Transfiguration mark , [Potter]136-harry , very pleased . Now , why have n't [you]136-harry applied to continue with Potions ? [I]251-professor mcgonagall thought it was [your]136-harry ambition to become [an Auror]4464-an auror ? "[251-professor mcgonagall] " It was , but [you]136-harry told [me]251-professor mcgonagall [I]251-professor mcgonagall had to get an ' Outstanding ' in [my]251-professor mcgonagall O.W.L. , [Professor]4626-professor . "[251-professor mcgonagall] " And so [you]136-harry did when [Professor Snape]221-snape was teaching the subject . [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn , however , is perfectly happy to accept N.E.W.T. [students with ' Exceeds Expectations ' at O.W.L.]5187-students with ' exceeds expectations ' at o.w.l. Do [you]136-harry wish to proceed with Potions ? "[251-professor mcgonagall] " Yes , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , " but [I]136-harry did n't buy the books or any ingredients or anything- "[136-harry] " [I]251-professor mcgonagall 'm sure [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn will be able to lend [you]136-harry some , "[251-professor mcgonagall] said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall . " Very well , [Potter]136-harry , here is [your]136-harry schedule . Oh , by the way- [twenty hopefuls]5188-twenty hopefuls have already put down [their]5188-twenty hopefuls names for [the Gryffindor Quidditch team]5189-the gryffindor quidditch team . [I]251-professor mcgonagall shall pass the list to [you]136-harry in due course and [you]136-harry can fix up trials at [your]136-harry leisure . "[251-professor mcgonagall] A few minutes later , [Ron]217-ron was cleared to do the same subjects as [Harry]136-harry , and [the two of [them]1616-the two of them]1616-the two of them left the table together . " Look , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron delightedly , gazing ar [his]217-ron schedule , " [we]1616-the two of them 've got a free period now . . . and a free period after break . . . and after lunch . . . excellent . "[217-ron] [They]1616-the two of them returned to [the common room]1602-the common room , which was empty apart from a half dozen seventh years , including [Katie Bell]153-katie , [the only remaining member of [the original Gryffindor Quidditch team that [Harry]136-harry had joined in [his]136-harry first year]1619-the original gryffindor quidditch team that harry had joined in his first year]1618-the only remaining member of the original gryffindor quidditch team that harry had joined in his first year . " [I]153-katie thought [you]136-harry 'd get that , well done , "[153-katie] [she]153-katie called over , pointing . at the Captains badge on [Harry]136-harry 's chest . " Tell [me]153-katie when [you]136-harry call trials ! "[153-katie] " Do n't be stupid , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , " [you]136-harry do n't need to try out , [I]136-harry watched [you]136-harry play for five years . . . . "[136-harry] " [You]136-harry must n't start off like that , "[153-katie] [she]153-katie said warningly . " For all [you]136-harry know , there 's someone much better than [me]153-katie out there . [Good teams]5190-good teams have been ruined before now because [Captains]5191-captains just kept playing the old faces , or letting in [[their]5191-captains friends]5192-their friends . ... "[153-katie] [Ron]217-ron looked a little uncomfortable and began playing with the Fanged Frisbee [Hermione]194-hermione had taken from [the fourth - year student]1620-the fourth - year student . [It]1621-it zoomed around [the common room]1602-the common room , snarling and attempting to take bites of the tapestry . [Crookshanks]230-crookshanks 's yellow eyes followed it and [he]230-crookshanks hissed when it came too close . An hour later [they]1623-they reluctantly left [the sunlit common room]1624-the sunlit common room for [the Defense Against [the Dark Arts classroom four floors below]1626-the dark arts classroom four floors below]1625-the defense against the dark arts classroom four floors below . [Hermione]194-hermione was already queuing outside , carrying an armful of heavy books and looking put - upon . " [We]1623-they got so much homework for [Runes]249-ancient runes , "[194-hermione] [she]194-hermione said anxiously when [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron joined [her]194-hermione . " A fifteen - inch essay , two translations , and [I]194-hermione 've got to read these by Wednesday ! "[194-hermione] " Shame , "[217-ron] yawned [Ron]217-ron . " [You]136-harry wait , "[194-hermione] [she]194-hermione said resentfully . " [I]194-hermione bet [Snape]221-snape gives [us]1629-they loads . "[194-hermione] [The classroom]1627-the classroom door opened as [she]194-hermione spoke , and [Snape]221-snape stepped into [the corridor]4994-the corridor , [his]221-snape sallow face framed as ever by two curtains of greasy black hair . Silence fell over the queue immediately . " Inside , "[221-snape] [he]221-snape said . [Harry]136-harry looked around as [they]1629-they entered . [Snape]221-snape had imposed [his]221-snape personality upon [the room]685-the room already ; it was gloomier than usual , as curtains had been drawn over the windows , and was lit by candlelight . New pictures adorned the walls , many of them showing [people who appeared to be in pain , sporting grisly injuries or strangely contorted body parts]1631-people who appeared to be in pain , sporting grisly injuries or strangely contorted body parts . [Nobody]687-nobody spoke as [they]1629-they settled down , looking around at the shadowy , gruesome pictures . " [I]221-snape have not asked [you]136-harry to take out [your]136-harry books , "[221-snape] said [Snape]221-snape , closing the door and moving to face [the class]1633-the class from behind [his]221-snape desk ; [Hermione]194-hermione hastily dropped [her]194-hermione copy of Confronting the Faceless back into [her]194-hermione bag and stowed it under [her]194-hermione chair . " [I]221-snape wish to speak to [you]136-harry , and [I]221-snape want [your]136-harry fullest attention . "[221-snape] [His]221-snape black eyes roved over [their]1629-they upturned faces , lingering for a fraction of a second longer on [Harry]136-harry 's than [anyone else]1540-anyone else 's . " [You]1635-you have had [five teachers]5193-five teachers in this subject so far , [I]221-snape believe . "[221-snape] [You]1635-you believe . . . like [you]1635-you have n't watched [them]1629-they all come and go , hoping [you]1635-you 'd be next , thought [Harry]136-harry scathingly . Naturally , [these teachers]1636-these teachers will all have had [their]1636-these teachers own methods and priorities . Given this confusion [I]0-i am surprised so many of [you]1635-you scraped an O.WL . in this subject . [I]0-i shall be even more surprised if all of [you]1635-you manage to keep up with the N.E.W.T. work , which will be more advanced . " [Snape]221-snape set off around the edge of [the room]685-the room , speaking now in a lower voice ; [the class]1633-the class craned [their]1633-the class necks to keep [him]221-snape in view . The Dark Arts , "[221-snape] said [Snape]221-snape , " are many , varied , ever - changing , and eternal . Fighting [them]1636-these teachers is like fighting a many - headed monster , which , each time a neck is severed , sprouts a head even fiercer and cleverer than before . [You]1635-you are fighting that which is unfixed , mutating , indestructible . "[221-snape] [Harry]136-harry stared at [Snape]221-snape . It was surely one thing to respect [the Dark Arts]250-the dark arts as [a dangerous enemy]1637-a dangerous enemy , another to speak of them , as [Snape]221-snape was doing , with a loving caress in [his]221-snape voice ? " [Your]1635-you defenses , "[221-snape] said [Snape]221-snape , a little louder , " must therefore be as flexible and inventive as rhe arts [you]1635-you seek to undo . These pictures - [he]221-snape indicated a few of them as [he]221-snape swept past - "[221-snape] give a fair representation of what happens to those who suffer , for instance , the Cruciatus Curse " - [he]221-snape waved a hand toward [a witch who was clearly shrieking in agony]5196-a witch who was clearly shrieking in agony - "[221-snape] feel [the Dementor]1638-the dementor 's Kiss " - [a wizard lying huddled and blank - eyed , slumped against a wall]5197-a wizard lying huddled and blank - eyed , slumped against a wall - "[221-snape] or provoke the aggression of [the Inferius]348-the inferius " - a bloody mass upon ground . "[1640-he] Has [an Inferius]1639-an inferius been seen , then ? " said [Parvati Patil]346-parvati in a high pitched voice . "[1639-an inferius] Is it definite , is [he]1640-he using them ? " "[1640-he] [The Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord has used [Inferi]196-inferi in the past , " said [Snape]221-snape , "[1640-he] which means [you]1642-you would be well - advised to assume [he]1640-he might use them again . Now . . . " [He]221-snape set off again around the other side of [the classroom]1627-the classroom toward [his]221-snape desk , and again , [they]1642-you watched [him]221-snape as [he]221-snape walked , [his]221-snape dark robes billowing behind [him]221-snape . , "[1640-he] . . . [you]1642-you are , [I]0-i believe , [complete novices in the use of nonverbal spells]1643-complete novices in the use of nonverbal spells . What is the advantage of a nonverbal spell ? " [Hermione]194-hermione 's hand shot into the air . [Snape]221-snape took [his]221-snape time looking around at [everybody else]5199-everybody else , making sure [he]221-snape had no choice , before saying curtly , "[194-hermione] Very well - [Miss Granger]194-hermione ? " "[194-hermione] [[Your]1642-you adversary]1644-your adversary has no warning about what kind of magic [you]1642-you 're about to perform , " said [Hermione]194-hermione , "[194-hermione] which gives [you]1642-you a split - second advantage . " "[194-hermione] An answer copied almost word for word from The Standard Book of Spells , Grade Six , " said [Snape]221-snape dismissively ( over in the corner , [Malfoy]170-malfoy sniggered ) , "[194-hermione] but correct in essentials . Yes , [those who progress in using magic without shouting incantations]1645-those who progress in using magic without shouting incantations gain an element of surprise in [their]1645-those who progress in using magic without shouting incantations spell - casting . [Not all wizards]1646-not all wizards can do this , of course ; it is a question of concentration and mind power which some " - [his]221-snape gaze lingered maliciously upon [Harry]136-harry once more - "[194-hermione] lack . " [Harry]136-harry knew [Snape]221-snape was thinking of [their]5200-them disastrous Occlumency lessons of the previous year . [He]136-harry refused to drop [his]136-harry gaze , but glowered at [Snape]221-snape until [Snape]221-snape looked away . "[1647-you] [You]1647-you will now divide , " [Snape]221-snape went on , "[1647-you] into pairs . [One partner]1648-one partner will attempt jinx the other without speaking . [The other]844-the other will attempt to repel the jinx in equal silence . Carry on . " Although [Snape]221-snape did not know it , [Harry]136-harry had taught at least half [the class]1633-the class ( [everyone who had been [a member of [the D.A.]57-the d.a.]5203-a member of the d.a.]5202-everyone who had been a member of the d.a. ) how to perform a Shield Charm the previous year . [None of [them]5200-them]4723-none of them had ever cast the charm without speaking , however . A reasonable amount of cheating ensued ; [many people]5205-many people were merely whispering the incantation instead of saying it aloud . Typically , ten minutes into the lesson [Hermione]194-hermione managed to repel [Neville]174-neville 's muttered [Jelly - Legs Jinx]349-jelly - legs jinx without uttering a single word , a feat that would surely have earned [her]194-hermione twenty points for Gryffindor from [any reasonable teacher]5206-any reasonable teacher , thought [Harry]136-harry bitterly , but which [Snape]221-snape ignored . [He]221-snape swept between [them]5200-them as [they]5200-them practiced , looking just as much like an overgrown bat as ever , lingering to watch [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron struggling with the task . [Ron]217-ron , who was supposed to be jinxing [Harry]136-harry , was purple in the face , [his]217-ron lips tightly compressed to save [himself]217-ron from the temptation of muttering the incantation . [Harry]136-harry had [his]136-harry wand raised , waiting on tenterhooks to repel a jinx that seemed unlikely ever to come . "[217-ron] Pathetic , [Weasley]217-ron , " said [Snape]221-snape , after a while . "[217-ron] Here -- let [me]0-i show [you]217-ron - " [He]221-snape turned [his]221-snape wand on [Harry]136-harry so fast that [Harry]136-harry reacted instinctively ; all thought of nonverbal spells forgotten , [he]136-harry yelled , "[0-i] Protego ! " [His]221-snape Shield Charm was so strong [Snape]221-snape was knocked off - balance and hit a desk . [The whole class]5207-the whole class had looked around and now watched as [Snape]221-snape righted [himself]221-snape , scowling . "[0-i] Do [you]217-ron remember [me]0-i telling [you]217-ron [we]1650-we are practicing nonverbal spells , [Potter]136-harry ? " "[0-i] Yes , " said [Harry]136-harry stiffly . "[0-i] Yes , [sir]985-sir . " "[985-sir] There 's no need to call [me]0-i ' [sir]985-sir , ' [Professor]221-snape . " The words had escaped [him]0-i before [he]0-i knew what [he]0-i was saying . [Several people]5208-several people gasped , including [Hermione]194-hermione . Behind [Snape]221-snape , however , [Ron]217-ron , [Dean]261-dean , and Seam [us]5209-us grinned appreciatively . "[221-snape] Detention , Saturday night , [[my]0-i office]4453-my office , " said [Snape]221-snape . "[0-i] [I]0-i do not take cheek from [anyone]660-anyone , [Potter]136-harry . . . not even ' [the Chosen One]940-the chosen one . ' " "[940-the chosen one] That was brilliant , [Harry]136-harry ! " chortled [Ron]217-ron , once [they]5210-they were safely on [their]5210-they way to break a short while later . "[136-harry] [You]136-harry really should n't have said it , " said [Hermione]194-hermione , frowning at [Ron]217-ron . "[136-harry] What made [you]136-harry ? " "[1656-he] [He]1656-he tried to jinx [me]0-i , in case [you]136-harry did n't notice ! " fumed [Harry]136-harry . [I]1656-he had enough of that during those Occlumency lessons ! Why does n't [he]1656-he use [another guinea pig]5211-another guinea pig for a change ? What 's [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore playing at , anyway , letting [him]1656-he teach Defense ? Did [you]136-harry hear [him]1656-he talking about the Dark Arts ? [He]1656-he loves [them]5212-them ! All that unfixed , tndestructble stuff -- "[1656-he] Well , " said [Hermione]194-hermione , "[1656-he] [I]0-i thought [he]1656-he sounded a bit like [you]136-harry . " "[1656-he] Like [me]0-i ? " "[0-i] Yes , when [you]136-harry were telling [us]1657-us what it 's like to face [Voldemort]192-voldemort . [You]136-harry said it was n't just memorizing a bunch of spells , [you]136-harry said it was just [you]136-harry and [your]136-harry brains and [your]136-harry guts - well , was n't that what [Snape]221-snape was saying ? That it really comes down to being brave and quick - thinking ? " [Harry]136-harry was so disarmed that [she]194-hermione had thought [his]136-harry words as well worth memorizing as The Standard Book of Spells that [he]136-harry did not argue . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry ! Hey , [Harry]136-harry ! " [Harry]136-harry looked around ; [Jack Sloper]350-sloper , [one of [the Beaters on last year 's Gryffindor Quidditch team]5214-the beaters on last year 's gryffindor quidditch team]5213-one of the beaters on last year 's gryffindor quidditch team , was hurrying toward [him]136-harry holding a roll of parchment . "[136-harry] For [you]136-harry , " panted [Sloper]350-sloper . "[136-harry] Listen , [1]1658-1 heard [you]136-harry 're [the new Captain]1659-the new captain . When 're [you]136-harry holding trials ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i 'm not sure yet , " said [Harry]136-harry , thinking privately that [Sloper]350-sloper would be very lucky to get back on [the team]4847-the team . "[0-i] [I]0-i 'll let [you]136-harry know . " "[0-i] Oh , right . [I]0-i was hoping it 'd be this weekend - " "[0-i] But [Harry]136-harry was not listening ; [he]136-harry had just recognized the thin , slanting writing on the parchment . [Leaving Sloper]350-sloper in mid - sentence , [he]136-harry hurried away with [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione , unrolling the parchment as [he]136-harry went . [Dear Harry]136-harry , [I]0-i would like to start [our]1660-our private lessons this Saturday . Kindly come along to [[my]0-i office]4453-my office at 8 P.M. [I]0-i hope [you]136-harry are enjoying [your]136-harry first day back at [school]4622-school . [Yours]136-harry sincerely , Albus Dumbledore P.S. [I]0-i enjoy [Acid Pops]351-acid pops . " [He]0-i enjoys Acid [Pops]351-acid pops ? "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , who had read the message over [Harry]136-harry 's shoulder and was looking perplexed . " It 's the password to get past [the gargoyle outside [[his]0-i study]5217-his study]5216-the gargoyle outside his study , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry in a low voice . " Ha ! [Snape]221-snape 's not going to be pleased . . . . [I]136-harry wo n't be able to do [his]221-snape detention ! "[136-harry] [He]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , and [Hermione]194-hermione spent the whole of break speculating on what [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore would teach [Harry]136-harry . [Ron]217-ron thought it most likely to be spectacular jinxes and hexes of the type [the Death Eaters]4511-the death eaters would not know . [Hermione]194-hermione said such things were illegal , and thought it much more likely that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore wanted to teach [Harry]136-harry advanced Defensive magic . After break , [she]194-hermione went off to Arithmancy while [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron returned to [the common room]1602-the common room where [they]1665-they grudgingly started [Snape]221-snape 's homework . This turned out to be so complex that [they]1665-they still had not finished when [Hermione]194-hermione joined [them]1665-they for [their]1665-they after - lunch free period ( though [she]194-hermione considerably speeded up the process ) . [They]1665-they had only just finished when the bell rang for the afternoon 's double Potions and [they]1665-they beat the familiar path down to [the dungeon classroom]1666-the dungeon classroom that had , for so long , been [Snape]221-snape 's . When [they]1665-they arrived in [the corridor]4994-the corridor [they]1665-they saw that there were [only a dozen people]1668-only a dozen people progressing to N.E.W.T. level . [Crabbe]313-crabbe and [Goyle]312-goyle had evidently failed to achieve the required O.W.L. grade , but [four Slytherins]1669-four slytherins had made it through , including [Malfoy]170-malfoy . [Four Ravenclaws]352-four ravenclaws were [there]4506-there , and [one Hufflepuff]1671-one hufflepuff , [Ernie Macmillan]353-ernie , whom [Harry]136-harry liked despite [his]136-harry rather pompous manner . " [Harry]136-harry , "[353-ernie] [Ernie]353-ernie said portentously , holding out [his]353-ernie hand as [Harry]136-harry approached , " did n't get a chance to speak in Defense Against The Dark Arts this morning . Good lesson , [I]136-harry thought , but Shield Charms are old hat , of course , for [us]1672-they old D.A. lags . . . And how are [you]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron -- [Hermione]194-hermione ? "[136-harry] Before [they]1672-they could say more than " fine , "[1672-they] the dungeon door opened and [Slughorn]216-slughorn 's belly preceded [him]216-slughorn out of the door . As [they]1672-they filed into [the room]685-the room , [his]216-slughorn great walrus mustache curved above [his]216-slughorn beaming mouth , and [he]216-slughorn greeted [Harry]136-harry and [Zabini]301-zabini with particular enthusiasm . [The dungeon]1674-the dungeon was , most unusually , already full of vapors and odd smells . [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , and [Hermione]194-hermione sniffed interestedly as [they]1672-they passed [large , bubbling cauldrons]1675-large , bubbling cauldrons . [The four Slytherins]295-the slytherins took a table together , as did the four Ravenclaws . This left [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , and [Hermione]194-hermione to share a table with [Ernie]353-ernie . [They]1672-they chose [the one nearest a gold - colored cauldron that was emitting one of the most seductive scents [Harry]136-harry had ever inhaled]1676-the one nearest a gold - colored cauldron that was emitting one of the most seductive scents harry had ever inhaled : Somehow it reminded [him]136-harry simultaneously of treacle tart , the woody smell of a broomstick handle , and something flowery [he]136-harry thought [he]136-harry might have smelled at the Burrow . [He]136-harry found that [he]136-harry was breathing very slowly and deeply and that the potion 's fumes seemed to be filling [him]136-harry up like drink . A great contentment stole over [him]136-harry ; [he]136-harry grinned across at [Ron]217-ron , who grinned back lazily . " Now then , now then , now then , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn , whose massive outline was quivering through the many shimmering vapors . " Scales out , [everyone]4750-everyone , and potion kits , and do n't forget [your]4750-everyone copies of Advanced Potion - Making . . . . "[216-slughorn] " [Sir]985-sir ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , raising [his]136-harry hand . " [Harry]136-harry , [m'boy]5032-m'boy ? "[136-harry] " [I]216-slughorn have n't got a book or scales or anything - nor 's [Ron]217-ron - [we]5221-we did n't realize [we]5221-we 'd be able to do the N.E.W.T. , [you]136-harry see - "[216-slughorn] " Ah , yes , [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall did mention . . . not to worry , [[my]216-slughorn dear boy]5222-my dear boy , not to worry at all . [You]5222-my dear boy can use ingredients from the store cupboard today , and [I]216-slughorn 'm sure [we]5221-we can lend [you]5222-my dear boy some scales , and [we]5221-we 've got a small stock of old books here , they 'll do until [you]5222-my dear boy can write to Flourish and Blotts . . . . "[216-slughorn] [Slughorn]216-slughorn strode over to a corner cupboard and , after a moment 's foraging , emerged with two very battered - looking copies of Advanced Potion - Making by [Libatius Borage]354-libatius borage , which [he]216-slughorn gave to [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron along with two sets of tarnished scales . " Now then , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn , returning to the front of [the class]1633-the class and inflating [his]216-slughorn already bulging chest so that the buttons on [his]216-slughorn waistcoat threatened to burst off , " [I]216-slughorn 've prepared a few potions for [you]5222-my dear boy to have a look at , just out of interest , [you]5222-my dear boy know . These are the kind of thing [you]5222-my dear boy ought to be able to make after completing [your]5222-my dear boy N.E.W.T.s . [You]5222-my dear boy ought to have heard of 'em , even if [you]5222-my dear boy have n't made 'em yet . [Anyone]660-anyone tell [me]216-slughorn what this one is ? "[216-slughorn] [He]216-slughorn indicated [the cauldron nearest the Slytherin table]1678-the cauldron nearest the slytherin table . [Harry]136-harry raised [himself]136-harry slighty in [his]136-harry seat and saw what looked like plain water boiling away inside it . [Hermione]194-hermione 's well - practiced hand hit the air before [anybody else]1679-anybody else 's ; [Slughorn]216-slughorn pointed at [her]194-hermione . " It 's Veritaserum , a colorless , odorless potion thar forces [the , drinker]5224-the , drinker to tell the truth , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione . " Very good , very good ! "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn happily . " Now , "[216-slughorn] [he]216-slughorn continued , pointing at [the cauldron nearest the Ravenclaw table]1680-the cauldron nearest the ravenclaw table , " this one here is pretty well known . . . . Featured in a few Ministry leaflets lately too . . . Who can - ? "[216-slughorn] [Hermione]194-hermione 's hand was fastest once more . " lt 's Polyjuice Potion , [sir]985-sir , "[194-hermione] [she]194-hermione said . [Harry]136-harry too had recognized the slow - bubbling , mudlike substance the second cauldron , but did not resent [Hermione]194-hermione getting the credit for answering the question ; [she]194-hermione , after all , was [the one who had succeeded in making it]1681-the one who had succeeded in making it , back in [their]1682-their second year . " Excellent , excellent ! Now , this one here . . . yes , [[my]216-slughorn dear]4367-my dear ? "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn , now looking slightly bemused , as [Hermione]194-hermione 's hand punched the air again . " It 's Amortentia ! "[194-hermione] " It is indeed . [Ir]355-ir seems almost foolish to ask , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn , who was looking mightily impressed , " but [I]216-slughorn assume [you]194-hermione know what it does ? "[216-slughorn] It 's the most powerful love porion in [the world]714-the world ! " said [Hermione]194-hermione . ' Quire right ! [You]194-hermione recognized it , [I]194-hermione suppose , by its distinctive mother - of - pearl sheen ? "[194-hermione] " And the steam rising in characteristic spirals , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione enthusiastically , " and it 's supposed to smell differently to each of according to what attracts [us]1682-their , and [I]194-hermione can smell freshly mown grass and new parchment and - "[194-hermione] But [she]194-hermione turned slightly pink and did not complete the sentence . ' May [I]0-i ask [your]194-hermione name , [[my]0-i dear]4367-my dear ? " said [Slughorn]216-slughorn , ignoring [Hermione]194-hermione 's embarrassment . [Hermione Granger]194-hermione , [sir]985-sir . "[194-hermione] " [Granger]194-hermione ? [Granger]194-hermione ? Can [you]194-hermione possibly be related to [Hector Dagworth - Granger]356-hector dagworth - granger , who founded [the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers]5228-the most extraordinary society of potioneers ? "[315-nott] " No . [I]136-harry do n't think so , [sir]985-sir . [I]136-harry 'm [Muggle - born]5230-muggle - born , [you]985-sir see . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry saw [Malfoy]170-malfoy lean close to [Nott]315-nott and whisper something ; both of [them]1685-them sniggered , but [Slughorn]216-slughorn showed no dismay ; on the contrary , [he]216-slughorn beamed and looked from [Hermione]194-hermione to [Harry]136-harry , who was sitting next to [her]194-hermione . " Oho ! ' [One of [[my]216-slughorn best friends]4702-my best friends]5231-one of my best friends is [Muggle - born]5230-muggle - born , and [she]5231-one of my best friends 's the best in [our]5234-our year ! ' [I]216-slughorn 'm assuming this is [the very friend of whom [you]136-harry spoke]5235-the very friend of whom you spoke , [Harry]136-harry ? "[216-slughorn] " Yes , [sir]985-sir , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Well , well , take twenty well - earned points for [Gryffindor]205-gryffindor , [Miss Granger]194-hermione , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn genially . [Malfoy]170-malfoy looked rather as [he]170-malfoy had done the time [Hermione]194-hermione had punched [him]170-malfoy in the face . [Hermione]194-hermione turned to [Harry]136-harry with a radiant expression and whispered , " Did [you]136-harry really tell [him]170-malfoy [I]194-hermione 'm the best in the year ? Oh , [Harry]136-harry ! "[194-hermione] " Well , what 's so impressive about that ? "[217-ron] whispered [Ron]217-ron , who for some reason looked annoyed . " [You]194-hermione are the best in the year - [I]217-ron 'd 've told [him]170-malfoy so if [he]170-malfoy 'd asked [me]217-ron ! "[217-ron] [Hermione]194-hermione smiled but made a " shhing "[194-hermione] gesture , so that [they]1686-us could hear what [Slughorn]216-slughorn was saying . [Ron]217-ron looked slightly disgruntled . " [Amortentia]357-amortentia does n't really create love , of course . It is impossible to manufacture or imitate love . No , this will simply cause a powerful infatuation or obsession . It is probably the most dangerous and powerful potion in [this room]5237-this room - oh yes , "[217-ron] [he]217-ron said , nodding gravely at [Maifoy]282-maifoy and [Nott]315-nott , both of whom were smirking skeptically . " When [you]194-hermione have seen as much of life as [I]217-ron have , [you]194-hermione will not underestimate the power of obsessive love . ...[217-ron] " And now , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn , " it is time for [us]1686-us to start work . "[216-slughorn] " [Sir]985-sir , [you]985-sir have n't told [us]1686-us what 's in this one , "[353-ernie] said [Ernie Macmillan]353-ernie , pointing at [a small black cauldron standing on [Slughorn]216-slughorn 's desk]1687-a small black cauldron standing on slughorn 's desk . The potion within was splashing about merrily ; it was the color of molten gold , and large drops were leaping like goldfish above the surface , though not a particle had spilled . " Oho , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn again . [Harry]136-harry was sure that [Slughorn]216-slughorn had not forgotten the potion at all , but had waited to be asked for dramatic effect . " Yes . That . Well , that one , [ladies and gentlemen]5239-ladies and gentlemen , is a most curious little potion called [Felix Felicis]358-hermione . [I]217-ron take it , "[217-ron] [he]217-ron turned , smiling , to look at [Hermione]358-hermione , who had let out an audible gasp , " that [you]985-sir know what [Felix Felicis]358-hermione does , [Miss Granger]194-hermione ? "[358-hermione] " It 's liquid luck , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione excitedly . " It makes [you]985-sir lucky ! "[194-hermione] [The whole class]5207-the whole class seemed to sit up a little straighter . Now all [Harry]136-harry could see of [Malfoy]170-malfoy was the back of [his]170-malfoy sleek blond head , because [he]170-malfoy was at last giving [Slughorn]216-slughorn [his]170-malfoy full and undivided attention . " Quite right , take another ten points for [Gryffindor]205-gryffindor . Yes , it 's a funny little potion , [Felix Felicis]358-hermione , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn . " Desperately tricky to make , and disastrous to get wrong . However , if brewed correctly , as this has been , [you]985-sir will find that all [your]985-sir endeavors tend to succeed ... at least until the effects wear off . "[216-slughorn] " Why do n't [people]681-people drink it all the time , [sir]985-sir ? "[359-terry boot] said [Terry Boot]359-terry boot eagerly . " Because if taken in excess , it causes giddiness , recklessness , and dangerous overconfidence , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn . " Too much of a good thing , [you]985-sir know . . . highly toxic in large quantities . But taken sparingly , and very occasionally . . . "[216-slughorn] " Have [you]985-sir ever taken it , [sir]985-sir ? "[275-michael corner] asked [Michael Corner]275-michael corner with great interest . " Twice in [my]216-slughorn life , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn . " Once when [I]170-malfoy was twenty - four , once when [I]170-malfoy was fifty - seven . Two tablespoonfuls taken with breakfast . Two perfect days . "[170-malfoy] [He]170-malfoy gazed dreamily into the distance . Whether [he]170-malfoy was playacting or not , thought [Harry]136-harry , the effect was good . " And that , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn , apparently coming back to earth , " is what [I]216-slughorn shall be offering as a prize in this lesson . "[216-slughorn] There was silence in which every bubble and gurgle of the surrounding potions seemed magnified tenfold . " One tiny bottle of [Felix Felicis]358-hermione , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn , taking a minuscule glass bottle with a cork in it out of [his]216-slughorn pocket and showing it to [them]1689-them all . " Enough for twelve hours ' luck . From dawn till dusk , [you]985-sir will be lucky in everything [you]985-sir attempt . "[216-slughorn] " Now , [I]216-slughorn must give [you]985-sir warning that [Felix Felicis]358-hermione is a banned substance in organized competitions . . . sporting events , for instance , examinations , or elections . So [the winner]5243-the winner is to use it on an ordinary day only . . . and watch how that ordinary day becomes extraordinary ! "[216-slughorn] " So , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn , suddenly brisk , " how are [you]985-sir to win fabulous prize ? Well , by turning to page ten of Advanced Potion Making . [We]5244-we have a little over an hour left to [us]5244-we , which should be time for [you]985-sir to make a decent attempt at the Draught of Living Death . [I]216-slughorn know it is more complex than anything [you]985-sir have attempted before , and [I]216-slughorn do not expect a perfect potion from [anybody]665-anybody . The person who does best , however , will win [little Felix]358-hermione [here]4439-here . Off [you]985-sir go ! "[216-slughorn] There was a scraping as [everyone]4750-everyone drew [their]4750-everyone cauldrons toward [them]4750-everyone and some loud clunks as [people]681-people began adding weights to [their]681-people scales , but [nobody]687-nobody spoke . The concentration within [the room]685-the room was almost tangible . [Harry]136-harry saw [Malfoy]170-malfoy riffling feverishly through [his]170-malfoy copy of Advanced Potion - Making . , It could not have been clearer that [Malfoy]170-malfoy really wanted that lucky day . [Harry]136-harry bent swiftly over the tattered book [Slughorn]216-slughorn had lent [him]136-harry . To [his]136-harry annoyance [he]136-harry saw that [the previous owner]1694-the previous owner had scribbled all over the pages , so that the margins were as black as the printed portions . Bending low to decipher the ingredients ( even here , [the previous owner]1694-the previous owner had made annotations and crossed things out ) [Harry]136-harry hurried off toward [the store cupboard]1696-the store cupboard to find what [he]136-harry needed . As [he]136-harry dashed back to [[his]136-harry cauldron]1697-his cauldron , [he]136-harry saw [Malfoy]170-malfoy cutting up Valerian roots as fast as [he]170-malfoy could . [Everyone]4750-everyone kept glancing around at what [the rest of the class]1699-the rest of the class was doing ; this was both an advantage and a disadvantage of Potions , that it was hard to keep [your]1700-your work private . Within ten minutes , [the whole place]1701-the whole place was full of bluish steam . [Hermione]358-hermione , of course , seemed to have progressed furthest . [Her]358-hermione potion already resembled the " smooth , black currant - colored liquid "[358-hermione] mentioned as the ideal halfway stage . Having finished chopping [his]136-harry roots , [Harry]136-harry bent low over [his]136-harry book again . It was really very irritating , having to try and decipher the directions under all the stupid scribbles of [the previous owner , who for some reason had taken issue with the order to cut up the sopophorous bean]1702-the previous owner , who for some reason had taken issue with the order to cut up the sopophorous bean and had written in the alternative instruction : Crush with flat side of silver dagger , releases juice better than cutting . " [Sir]985-sir , [I]136-harry think [you]985-sir knew [[my]136-harry grandfather]5248-my grandfather , [Abraxas Malfoy]360-abraxas malfoy ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry looked up ; [Slughorn]216-slughorn was just passing the Slytherin table . " Yes , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn , without looking at [Malfoy]170-malfoy , " [I]216-slughorn was sorry to hear [he]170-malfoy had died , although of course it was n't unexpected , dragon pox at [his]170-malfoy age . . . . "[216-slughorn] And [he]216-slughorn walked away . [Harry]136-harry bent back over [his]136-harry cauldron , smirking . [He]136-harry could tell that [Malfoy]170-malfoy had expected to be treated like [Harry]136-harry or [Zabini]301-zabini ; perhaps even hoped for some preferential treatment of the type [he]136-harry had learned to expect from [Snape]221-snape . It looked as though [Malfoy]170-malfoy would have to rely on nothing but talent to win the bottle of [Felix Felicis]358-hermione . The sopophorous bean was proving very difficult to cut up . [Harry]136-harry turned to [Hermione]358-hermione . " Can [I]358-hermione borrow [your]358-hermione silver knife ? "[358-hermione] [She]358-hermione nodded impatiently , not taking [her]358-hermione eyes off [her]358-hermione potion , which was still deep purple , though according to the book ought to be turning a light shade of lilac by now . [Harry]136-harry crushed [his]136-harry bean with the flat side of the dagger . To [his]136-harry astonishment , it immediately exuded so much juice [he]136-harry was amazed the shriveled bean could have held it all . Hastily scooping it all into [the cauldron]1703-the cauldron [he]136-harry saw , to [his]136-harry surprise , that the potion immediately turned exactly the shade of lilac described by the textbook . [His]136-harry annoyance with [the previous owner]1694-the previous owner vanishing on the spot , [Harry]136-harry now squinted at the next line of instructions . According the book , [he]136-harry had to stir counterclockwise until the potion turned clear as water . According to the addition [the previous owner]1694-the previous owner made , however , [he]136-harry ought to add a clockwise stir after every seventh counterclockwise stir . Could [the old owner]1706-the old owner be right twice ? [Harry]136-harry stirred counterclockwise , held [his]136-harry breath , and stirred once clockwise . The effect was immediate . The potion turned pale pink . " How are [you]136-harry doing that ? "[358-hermione] demanded [Hermione]358-hermione , who was redfaced and whose hair was growing bushier and bushier in the fumes from [her]358-hermione cauldron ; [her]358-hermione potion was still resolutely purple . " Add a clockwise stir - "[358-hermione] " No , no , the book says counterclockwise ! "[358-hermione] [she]358-hermione snapped . [Harry]136-harry shrugged and continued what [he]136-harry was doing . Seven stirs counterdockwise , one clockwise , pause . . . seven stirs counterclockwise , one stir clockwise . . . Across the table , [Ron]217-ron was cursing fluently under [his]217-ron breath ; [his]217-ron potion looked like liquid licorice . [Harry]136-harry glanced around . As far as [he]136-harry could see , [no one else]1707-no one else 's potion had turned as pale as [his]136-harry . [He]136-harry felt elated , something that had certainly never happened before in [this dungeon]1708-this dungeon . " And time 's . . . up ! "[216-slughorn] called [Slughorn]216-slughorn . " Stop stirring , please ! "[216-slughorn] [Slughorn]216-slughorn moved slowly among the tables , peering into cauldrons . [He]216-slughorn made no comment , but occasionally gave the potions a stir or a sniff . At last [he]216-slughorn reached the table where [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , [Hermione]358-hermione , and [Ernie]353-ernie were sitting . [He]216-slughorn smiled ruefully at the tarlike substance in [[Ron]217-ron 's cauldron]1709-ron 's cauldron . [He]216-slughorn passed over [Ernie]353-ernie 's navy concoction . [Hermione]358-hermione 's potion [he]216-slughorn gave an approving nod . Then [he]216-slughorn saw [Harry]136-harry 's , and a look of incredulous delight spread over [his]216-slughorn face . " [The clear winner]5249-the clear winner ! "[216-slughorn] [he]216-slughorn cried to [the dungeon]1674-the dungeon . " Excellent , excellent , [Harry]136-harry ! [Good lord]5250-good lord , it 's clear [you]136-harry 've inherited [[your]136-harry mother]4687-your mother 's talent . [She]4687-your mother was a dab hand at Potions , [Lily]203-lily was ! Here [you]136-harry are , then , here [you]136-harry are - one bottle of [Felix Felicis]358-hermione , as promised , and use it well ! "[216-slughorn] [Harry]136-harry slipped the tiny bottle of golden liquid into [his]136-harry inner pocket , feeling an odd combination of delight at the furious looks on [the Slytherins]295-the slytherins ' faces and guilt at the disappointed expression on [Hermione]358-hermione 's . [Ron]217-ron looked simply dumbfounded . " How did [you]136-harry do that ? "[217-ron] [he]217-ron whispered to [Harry]136-harry as [they]1711-they left [the dungeon]1674-the dungeon . " Got lucky , [I]136-harry suppose , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , because [Malfoy]170-malfoy was within earshot . Once [they]1711-they were securely ensconced at the Gryffindor table for dinner , however , [he]136-harry felt safe enough to tell [them]1711-they . [Hermione]358-hermione 's face became stonier with every word [he]136-harry uttered . " [I]136-harry s'pose [you]358-hermione think [I]136-harry cheated ? "[136-harry] [he]136-harry finished , aggravated by [her]358-hermione expression . " Well , it was n't exactly [your]136-harry own work , was it ? "[358-hermione] [she]358-hermione said stiffly . " [He]136-harry only followed different instructions to [ours]1711-they , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , " Could 've been a catastrophe , could n't it ? But [he]136-harry took a risk and it paid off . "[217-ron] [He]217-ron heaved a sigh . " [Slughorn]216-slughorn could 've handed [me]217-ron that book , but no , [I]217-ron get the one [no one]4841-no one 's ever written on . Puked on , by the look of page fifty - two , but- "[217-ron] " Hang on , "[236-ginny] said a voice close by [Harry]136-harry 's left ear and [he]136-harry caught a sudden waft of that flowery smell [he]136-harry had picked up in [[Slughorn]216-slughorn 's dungeon]1713-slughorn 's dungeon . [He]136-harry looked around and saw that [Ginny]236-ginny had joined [them]1714-them . " Did [I]236-ginny hear right ? [You]136-harry 've been taking orders from something [someone]5066-someone wrote in a book , [Harry]136-harry ? "[236-ginny] [She]236-ginny looked alarmed and angry . [Harry]136-harry knew what was on [her]236-ginny mind at once . " It 's nothing , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said reassuringly , lowering [his]136-harry voice . " It 's not like , [you]236-ginny know , [Riddle]361-merope 's diary . It 's just an old textbook [someone]5066-someone 's scribbled on . "[136-harry] " But [you]136-harry 're doing what it says ? "[136-harry] " [I]136-harry just tried a few of the tips written in the margins , honestly , [Ginny]236-ginny , there 's nothing funny - "[136-harry] " [Ginny]236-ginny 's got a point , "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione , perking up at once . " [We]5255-we ought to check that there 's nothing odd about it . [I]358-hermione mean , all these funny instructions , who knows ? "[358-hermione] " Hey ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry indignantly , as [she]236-ginny pulled [his]136-harry copy of Advanced Potion - Making out of [his]136-harry bag and raised [her]236-ginny wand . " Specialis Revelio ! "[236-ginny] [she]236-ginny said , rapping it smartly on the front cover . Nothing whatsoever happened . The book simply lay there , looking old and dirty and dog - eared . " Finished ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry irritably . " Or d'you want to wait and see if it does a few backflips ? "[136-harry] " It seems all right , "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione , still staring at the book suspiciously . " [I]358-hermione mean , it really does seem to be ... just a textbook . "[358-hermione] " Good . Then [I]136-harry 'll have it back , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , snatching it off the table , but it slipped from [his]136-harry hand and landed open on the floor . [Nobody else]5071-nobody else was looking . [Harry]136-harry bent low to retrieve the book , and as [he]136-harry did so , [he]136-harry saw something scribbled along the bottom of the back cover in the same small , cramped handwriting as the instructions that had won [him]136-harry [his]136-harry bottle of Felix Felicis , now safely hidden inside a pair of socks in [his]136-harry trunk [upstairs]1716-upstairs . This book is the property of [the Half Blood Prince]1717-the half blood prince . Chapter 10 : [The house of [count For]362-count for]1718-the house of count for or the rest of the week 's Potions lessons [Harry]136-harry continued to follow [the Half - Blood Prince]649-the half - blood prince 's instructions wherever [they]1720-they de - viated from [Libatius Borage]354-libatius borage 's , with the result that by [their]1721-their fourth lesson [Slughorn]216-slughorn was raving about [Harrys]269-harrys abilities , saying that [he]216-slughorn had rarely taught [anyone so talented]1722-anyone so talented . Neither [Ron]217-ron nor [Hermione]358-hermione was delighted by this . Although [Harry]136-harry had offered to share [his]136-harry book with [both of [them]5058-both of them]5058-both of them , [Ron]217-ron had more difficulty deciphering the handwriting than [Harry]136-harry did , and could not keep asking [Harry]136-harry to read aloud or it might look suspicious . [Hermione]358-hermione , meanwhile , was resolutely plowing on with what [she]358-hermione called the " official "[358-hermione] instruc - tions , but becoming increasingly bad - tempered as [they]1720-they yielded poorer results than [the Prince]136-harry 's . [Harry]136-harry wondered vaguely who [the Half - Blood Prince]649-the half - blood prince had been . Although the amount of homework [they]1721-their had been given prevented [him]136-harry from reading the whole of [his]136-harry copy of Advanced Potion - Making , [he]136-harry had skimmed through it sufficiently to see that there was barely a page on which [the Prince]1725-the prince had not made additional notes , not all of them concerned with potion - making . Here and there were direc - tions for what looked like spells that [the Prince]1725-the prince had made up [himself]1725-the prince . " Or [herself]5256-herself , "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione irritably , overhearing [Harry]136-harry point - ing some of these out to [Ron]217-ron in [the common room]1602-the common room on Saturday evening . " It might have been [a girl]4778-a girl . [I]136-harry think the handwriting looks more like [a girl]4778-a girl 's than [a boy]5259-a boy 's . "[136-harry] " [The Half - Blood Prince]649-the half - blood prince , [he]649-the half - blood prince was called , "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry said . " How many [girls]5261-girls have been [Princes]363-princes ? "[136-harry] [Hermione]358-hermione seemed to have no answer to this . [She]358-hermione merely scowled and twitched [her]358-hermione essay on The Principles of Rematerialization away from [Ron]217-ron , who was trying to read it upside down . [Harry]136-harry looked at [his]136-harry watch and hurriedly put the old copy of Advanced Potion - Making back into [his]136-harry bag . " It 's five to eight , [I]136-harry 'd better go , [I]136-harry 'll be late for [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[136-harry] " Ooooh ! "[358-hermione] gasped [Hermione]358-hermione , looking up at once . " Good luck ! [We]827-the pair of them 'll wait up , [we]827-the pair of them want to hear what [he]136-harry teaches [you]136-harry ! "[358-hermione] " Hope it goes okay , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , and [the pair of [them]827-the pair of them]827-the pair of them watched [Harry]136-harry leave through the portrait hole . [Harry]136-harry proceeded through [deserted corridors]1729-deserted corridors , though [he]136-harry had to step hastily behind a statue when [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney appeared around a corner , muttering to [herself]333-professor trelawney as [she]333-professor trelawney shuffled a pack of dirty - looking playing cards , reading them as [she]333-professor trelawney walked . " Two of spades : conflict , "[333-professor trelawney] [she]333-professor trelawney murmured , as [she]333-professor trelawney passed the place where [Harry]136-harry crouched , hidden . " Seven of spades : an ill omen . Ten of spades : violence . Knave of spades : [a dark young man]5262-a dark young man , possibly troubled , one who dislikes [the questioner]5263-the questioner — "[333-professor trelawney] [She]333-professor trelawney stopped dead , right on the other side of [Harry]136-harry 's statue . " Well , that ca n't be right , "[333-professor trelawney] [she]333-professor trelawney said , annoyed , and [Harry]136-harry heard [her]333-professor trelawney reshuffling vigorously as [she]333-professor trelawney set off again , leaving nothing but a whiff of cooking sherry behind [her]333-professor trelawney . [Harry]136-harry waited until [he]136-harry was quite sure [she]333-professor trelawney had gone , then hurried off again until [he]136-harry reached the spot in [the seventh - floor corridor where a single gargoyle stood against the wall]1730-the seventh - floor corridor where a single gargoyle stood against the wall . " [Acid Pops]351-acid pops , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , and the gargoyle leapt aside ; the wall behind it slid apart , and a moving spiral stone staircase was re - vealed , onto which [Harry]136-harry stepped , so that [he]136-harry was carried in smooth circles up to the door with the brass knocker that led to [[Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's Office]4815-dumbledore 's office . [Harry]136-harry knocked . " Come in , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore s voice . " Good evening , [sir]985-sir , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , walking into [[the headmaster]1054-the headmaster 's office]1733-the headmaster 's office . " Ah , good evening , [Harry]136-harry . Sit down , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , smil - ing . " [I]146-dumbledore hope [you]136-harry 've had an enjoyable first week back at [school]4622-school ? "[146-dumbledore] " Yes , thanks , [sir]985-sir , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [You]985-sir must have been busy , a detention under [your]985-sir belt already ! "[136-harry] " Er , "[136-harry] began [Harry]136-harry awkwardly , but [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore did not look too stern . " [I]146-dumbledore have arranged with [Professor Snape]221-snape that [you]136-harry will do [your]136-harry de - tention next Saturday instead . "[146-dumbledore] " Right , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , who had more pressing matters on [his]136-harry mind than [Snapes]364-snapes detention , and now looked around surreptitiously for some indication of what [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was planning to do with [him]136-harry this evening . [The circular office]1734-the circular office looked just as [it]1734-the circular office always did ; the delicate silver instruments stood on spindle - legged tables , puff - ing smoke and whirring ; portraits of [previous headmasters]1735-previous headmasters and [headmistresses]1736-headmistresses dozed in [their]1735-previous headmasters frames , and [[Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's magnifi - cent phoenix]1737-dumbledore 's magnifi - cent phoenix , [Fawkes]365-fawkes , stood on [his]365-fawkes perch behind the door , watch - ing [Harry]136-harry with bright interest . [It]1738-it did not even look as though [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had cleared a space for dueling practice . " So , [Harry]136-harry , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , in a businesslike voice . " [You]136-harry have been wondering , [I]146-dumbledore am sure , what [I]146-dumbledore have planned for [you]136-harry dur - ing these — for want of a better word — lessons ? "[146-dumbledore] " Yes , [sir]985-sir . "[365-fawkes] " Well , [I]146-dumbledore have decided that it is time , now that [you]136-harry know what prompted [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort to try and kill [you]136-harry fifteen years ago , for [you]136-harry to be given certain information . "[146-dumbledore] There was a pause . " [You]146-dumbledore said , at the end of last term , [you]146-dumbledore were going to tell [me]136-harry everything , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . It was hard to keep a note of accusation from [his]136-harry voice . " Sir , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry added . " And so [I]146-dumbledore did , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore placidly . " [I]146-dumbledore told [you]136-harry everything [I]146-dumbledore know . From this point forth , [we]5268-we shall be leaving [the firm founda - tion of fact]5269-the firm founda - tion of fact and journeying together through the murky marshes of memory into thickets of wildest guesswork . From here on in , [Harry]136-harry , [I]146-dumbledore may be as woefully wrong as [Humphrey Belcher]366-humphrey belcher , who be - lieved the time was ripe for a cheese cauldron . "[146-dumbledore] " But [you]146-dumbledore think [you]146-dumbledore 're right ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Naturally [I]136-harry do , but as [I]136-harry have already proven to [you]136-harry , [I]136-harry make mis - takes like [the next man]5270-the next man . In fact , being — forgive [me]136-harry — rather clev - erer than [most men]5271-most men , [my]136-harry mistakes tend to be correspondingly huger . "[136-harry] " [Sir]985-sir , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry tentatively , " does what [you]985-sir 're going to tell [me]136-harry have anything to do with the prophecy ? Will it help [me]136-harry . . . survive ? "[136-harry] " It has a very great deal to do with the prophecy , "[367-dumble - dore] said [Dumble - dore]367-dumble - dore , as casually as if [Harry]136-harry had asked [him]367-dumble - dore about the next days weather , " and [I]136-harry certainly hope that it will help [you]136-harry to survive , . "[136-harry] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore got to [his]146-dumbledore feet and walked around the desk , past [Harry]136-harry , who turned eagerly in [his]136-harry seat to watch [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore bend - ing over the cabinet beside the door . When [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore straight - ened up , [he]146-dumbledore was holding a familiar shallow stone basin etched with odd markings around its rim . [He]146-dumbledore placed the Pensieve on the desk in front of [Harry]136-harry . " [You]136-harry look worried . "[146-dumbledore] [Harry]136-harry had indeed been eyeing the Pensieve with some appre - hension . [His]136-harry previous experiences with the odd device that stored and revealed thoughts and memories , though highly instructive , had also been uncomfortable . The last time [he]136-harry had disturbed its contents , [he]136-harry had seen much more than [he]136-harry would have wished . But [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was smiling . " This time , [you]136-harry enter [the Pensieve]65-the pensieve with [me]146-dumbledore . . . and , even more unusually , with permission . "[146-dumbledore] " Where are [we]5273-we going , [sir]985-sir ? "[146-dumbledore] " For a trip down [[Bob Ogden]368-ogden 's memory lane]5275-bob ogden 's memory lane , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , pulling from [his]146-dumbledore pocket a crystal bottle containing a swirling silvery - white substance . " Who was [Bob Ogden]368-ogden ? "[146-dumbledore] " [He]368-ogden was employed by [the Department of Magical Law Enforce]5276-the department of magical law enforce - ment , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [He]368-ogden died some time ago , but not before [I]146-dumbledore had tracked [him]368-ogden down and persuaded [him]368-ogden to confide these recol - lections to [me]146-dumbledore . [We]5273-we are about to accompany [him]368-ogden on a visit [he]368-ogden made in the course of [his]368-ogden duties . If [you]5277-you will stand , [Harry]136-harry ... "[146-dumbledore] But [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was having difficulty pulling out the stopper of the crystal bottle : [His]146-dumbledore injured hand seemed stiff and painful . " Shall — shall [I]146-dumbledore , [sir]985-sir ? "[146-dumbledore] " No matter , [Harry]136-harry — "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore pointed [his]146-dumbledore wand at the bottle and the cork flew out . " [Sir]985-sir — how did [you]985-sir injure [your]985-sir hand ? "[146-dumbledore] [Harry]136-harry asked again , look - ing at the blackened fingers with a mixture of revulsion and pity . " Now is not the moment for that story , [Harry]136-harry . Not yet . [We]5280-we have an appointment with [Bob Ogden]368-ogden . "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore tipped the silvery contents of the bottle into the Pensieve , where they swirled and shimmered , neither liquid nor gas . " After [you]136-harry , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , gesturing toward the bowl . [Harry]136-harry bent forward , took a deep breath , and plunged [his]136-harry face into the silvery substance . [He]136-harry felt [his]136-harry feet leave the office floor ; [he]136-harry was falling , falling through whirling darkness and then , quite sud - denly , [he]136-harry was blinking in dazzling sunlight . Before [his]136-harry eyes had adjusted , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore landed beside [him]136-harry . [They]1739-they were standing in [a country lane bordered by high , tangled hedgerows]1740-a country lane bordered by high , tangled hedgerows , beneath a summer sky as bright and blue as a forget - me - not . Some ten feet in front of [them]1739-they stood [a short , plump man]1741-a short , plump man wearing enormously thick glasses that reduced [his]1741-a short , plump man eyes to molelike specks . [He]1741-a short , plump man was reading a wooden signpost that was sticking out of the brambles on the left - hand side of [the road]851-the road . [Harry]136-harry knew this must be [Ogden]368-ogden ; [he]368-ogden was [the only person in sight]1743-the only person in sight , and [he]368-ogden was also wearing the strange assortment of clothes so often chosen by [inex - perienced wizards trying to look like [Muggles]143-muggles]1744-inex - perienced wizards trying to look like muggles : in this case , a frock coat and spats over a striped one - piece bathing costume . Before [Harry]136-harry had time to do more than register [his]136-harry bizarre appearance , however , [Ogden]368-ogden had set off at a brisk walk down [the lane]1745-the lane . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore and [Harry]136-harry followed . As [they]1739-they passed the wooden sign , [Harry]136-harry looked up at its two arms . The one pointing back the way [they]1739-they had come read : [Great Hangleton]66-great hangleton , 5 miles . The arm pointing after [Ogden]368-ogden said [Little Hangleton]67-little hangleton , 1 mile . [They]1739-they walked a short way with nothing to see but the hedgerows , the wide blue sky overhead and the swishing , frock - coated figure ahead . Then [the lane]1745-the lane curved to the left and fell away , sloping steeply down [a hillside]1747-a hillside , so that [they]1739-they had a sudden , unexpected view of [a whole valley]1748-a whole valley laid out in front of [them]1739-they . [Harry]136-harry could see a vil - lage , undoubtedly [Little Hangleton]67-little hangleton , nestled between [two steep hills]1749-two steep hills , [[its]67-little hangleton church and [graveyard]1751-graveyard]1750-its church and graveyard clearly visible . Across [the valley]1752-the valley , set on [the opposite hillside]1753-the opposite hillside , was [a handsome manor house surrounded by a wide expanse of velvety green lawn]1754-a handsome manor house surrounded by a wide expanse of velvety green lawn . [Ogden]368-ogden had broken into a reluctant trot due to the steep down - ward slope . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore lengthened [his]146-dumbledore stride , and [Harry]136-harry hurried to keep up . [He]136-harry thought [Little Hangleton]67-little hangleton must be [[their]1739-they final desti - nation]1755-their final desti - nation and wondered , as [he]136-harry had done on the night [they]1739-they had found [Slughorn]193-slughorn , why [they]1739-they had to approach [it]67-little hangleton from such a distance . [He]136-harry soon discovered that [he]136-harry was mistaken in thinking that [they]1739-they were going to [the village]1756-the village , however . [The lane]1745-the lane curved to the right and when [they]1739-they rounded the corner , it was to see the very edge of [Ogden]368-ogden 's frock coat vanishing through a gap in the hedge . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore and [Harry]136-harry followed [him]136-harry onto [a narrow dirt track bordered by [higher and wilder hedgerows]1759-higher and wilder hedgerows than those [they]1739-they had left behind]1758-a narrow dirt track bordered by higher and wilder hedgerows than those they had left behind . [The path]1760-the path was crooked , rocky , and potholed , sloping down - hill like [the last one]1761-the last one , and it seemed to be heading for [a patch of dark trees a little below [them]1739-they]1762-a patch of dark trees a little below them . Sure enough , [the track]1763-the track soon opened up at [the copse]1764-the copse , and [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore and [Harry]136-harry came to a halt behind [Ogden]368-ogden , who had stopped and drawn [his]368-ogden wand . Despite the cloudless sky , the old trees ahead cast deep , dark , cool shadows , and it was a few seconds before [Harry]136-harry 's eyes discerned [the building]998-the building half - hidden amongst the tangle of trunks . It seemed to [him]136-harry a very strange location to choose for [a house]994-a house , or else an odd decision to leave the trees growing nearby , blocking all light and the view of [the valley below]1767-the valley below . [He]136-harry wondered whether [it]998-the building was inhabited ; [its]998-the building walls were mossy and so many tiles had fallen off the roof that the rafters were visible in places . Nettles grew all around [it]998-the building , their tips reaching the windows , which were tiny and thick with grime . Just as [he]136-harry had concluded that [nobody]687-nobody could possibly live [there]4506-there , however , one of the windows was thrown open with a clatter , and a thin trickle of steam or smoke issued from it , as though [somebody]1513-somebody was cooking . [Ogden]368-ogden moved forward quietly and , it seemed to [Harry]136-harry , rather cautiously . As the dark shadows of the trees slid over [him]368-ogden , [he]368-ogden stopped again , staring at the front door , to which [somebody]1513-somebody had nailed a dead snake . Then there was a rustle and a crack , and [a man in rags]1772-a man in rags dropped from the nearest tree , landing on [his]1772-a man in rags feet right in front of [Ogden]368-ogden , who leapt backward so fast [he]1772-a man in rags stood on the tails of [his]1772-a man in rags frock coat and stumbled . " [You]368-ogden 're not welcome . "[1773-the man standing before] [The man standing before]1773-the man standing before [them]1774-them had thick hair so matted with dirt it could have been any color . Several of [his]1773-the man standing before teeth were missing . [His]1773-the man standing before eyes were small and dark and stared in opposite directions . [He]1773-the man standing before might have looked comical , but [he]1773-the man standing before did not ; the effect was frighten - ing , and [Harry]136-harry could not blame [Ogden]368-ogden for backing away several more paces before [he]368-ogden spoke . " Er — good morning . [I]368-ogden 'm from [the Ministry of Magic]716-the ministry of magic — "[368-ogden] " [You]368-ogden 're not welcome . "[1775-the stranger] " Er — [I]368-ogden 'm sorry — [I]368-ogden do n't understand [you]368-ogden , "[368-ogden] said [Ogden]368-ogden nervously . [Harry]136-harry thought [Ogden]368-ogden was being extremely dim ; [the stranger]1775-the stranger was making [himself]1773-the man standing before very clear in [Harry]136-harry 's opinion , particularly as [he]1773-the man standing before was brandishing a wand in one hand and a short and rather bloody knife in the other . " [You]368-ogden understand [him]368-ogden , [I]146-dumbledore 'm sure , [Harry]136-harry ? "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore quietly . " Yes , of course , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , slightly nonplussed . " Why ca n't [Ogden]368-ogden — ? "[136-harry] But as [his]136-harry eyes found the dead snake on the door again , [he]136-harry sud - denly understood . " [He]368-ogden 's speaking [Parseltongue]69-parseltongue ? "[136-harry] " Very good , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , nodding and smiling . [The man in rags]1776-the man in rags was now advancing on [Ogden]368-ogden , knife in one hand , wand in the other . " Now , look — "[368-ogden] [Ogden]368-ogden began , but too late : There was a bang , and [Ogden]368-ogden was on the ground , clutching [his]368-ogden nose , while a nasty yellowish goo squirted from between [his]368-ogden fingers . " [Morfin]206-morfin ! "[1777-an elderly man] said a loud voice . [An elderly man]1777-an elderly man had come hurrying out of [the cottage]1778-the cottage , banging the door behind [him]1777-an elderly man so that the dead snake swung pathetically . [This man]1779-this man was shorter than the first , and oddly proportioned ; [his]1779-this man shoulders were very broad and [his]1779-this man arms overlong , which , with [his]1779-this man bright brown eyes , short scrubby hair , and wrinkled face , gave [him]1779-this man the look of a powerful , aged monkey . [He]1779-this man came to a halt beside [the man with the knife]1780-the man with the knife , who was now cackling with laughter at the sight of [Ogden]368-ogden on the ground . " Ministry , is it ? "[1781-the older man] said [the older man]1781-the older man , looking down at [Ogden]368-ogden . " Correct ! "[368-ogden] said [Ogden]368-ogden angrily , dabbing [his]368-ogden face . " And [you]369-gaunt , [I]368-ogden take it , are [Mr. Gaunt]369-gaunt ? "[368-ogden] " S'right , "[369-gaunt] said [Gaunt]369-gaunt . " Got [you]368-ogden in the face , did [he]368-ogden ? "[369-gaunt] " Yes , [he]368-ogden did ! "[368-ogden] snapped [Ogden]368-ogden . " Should 've made [your]368-ogden presence known , should n't [you]368-ogden ? "[369-gaunt] said [Gaunt]369-gaunt aggressively . " This is [private property]5282-private property . Ca n't just walk in here and not expect [[my]369-gaunt son]912-my son to defend [himself]912-my son . "[369-gaunt] " Defend [himself]368-ogden against what , [man]5284-man ? "[368-ogden] said [Ogden]368-ogden , clambering back to [his]368-ogden feet . " [Busybodies]5285-busybodies . [Intruders]4667-intruders . Muggles and filth . "[368-ogden] [Ogden]368-ogden pointed [his]368-ogden wand at [his]368-ogden own nose , which was still issuing large amounts of what looked like yellow pus , and the flow stopped at once . [Mr. Gaunt]369-gaunt spoke out of the corner of [his]369-gaunt mouth to [Morfin]206-morfin . " Get in [the house]4472-the house . Do n't argue . "[369-gaunt] This time , ready for it , [Harry]136-harry recognized [Parseltongue]69-parseltongue ; even while [he]136-harry could understand what was being said , [he]136-harry distinguished the weird hissing noise that was all [Ogden]368-ogden could hear . [Morfin]206-morfin seemed to be on the point of disagreeing , but when [[his]206-morfin father]904-his father cast [him]206-morfin a threatening look [he]206-morfin changed [his]206-morfin mind , lumbering away to [the cottage]1778-the cottage with an odd rolling gait and slamming the front door behind [him]206-morfin , so that the snake swung sadly again . " It 's [[your]904-his father son]983-your son [I]368-ogden 'm here to see , [Mr. Gaunt]369-gaunt , "[368-ogden] said [Ogden]368-ogden , as [he]368-ogden mopped the last of the pus from the front of [his]368-ogden coat . " That was [Morfin]206-morfin , was n't it ? "[368-ogden] " At , that was [Morfin]206-morfin , "[1784-the old man] said [the old man]1784-the old man indifferently . " Are [you]371-ogdens pure - blood ? "[1784-the old man] [he]1784-the old man asked , suddenly aggressive . " That 's neither here nor there , "[368-ogden] said [Ogden]368-ogden coldly , and [Harry]136-harry felt [his]136-harry respect for [Ogden]368-ogden rise . [Apparently Gaunt]369-gaunt felt rather differently . [He]369-gaunt squinted into [Ogdens]371-ogdens lace and muttered , in what was clearly supposed to be an offensive tone , " Now [I]369-gaunt come to think about it , [I]369-gaunt 've seen noses like [yours]371-ogdens down in [the village]1756-the village . "[369-gaunt] " [I]372-og - den do n't doubt it , if [[your]371-ogdens sons]5290-your sons been let loose on [them]5290-your sons , "[372-og - den] said [Og - den]372-og - den . " Perhaps [we]5291-we could continue this discussion inside ? "[372-og - den] " Inside ? "[369-gaunt] " Yes , [Mr. Gaunt]369-gaunt . [I]369-gaunt 've already told [you]369-gaunt . [I]369-gaunt 'm here about [Morfin]206-morfin . [We]5291-we sent [an owl]5292-an owl — "[369-gaunt] " [I]369-gaunt 've no use for owls , "[369-gaunt] said [Gaunt]369-gaunt . " [I]369-gaunt do n't open letters . "[369-gaunt] " Then [you]369-gaunt can hardly complain that [you]369-gaunt get no warning of [vis - itors]5293-vis - itors , "[368-ogden] said [Ogden]368-ogden tartly . " [I]368-ogden am here following a serious breach of Wizarding law , which occurred here in the early hours of this morning — "[368-ogden] " All right , all right , all right ! "[369-gaunt] bellowed [Gaunt]369-gaunt . " Come in [the bleeding house]5294-the bleeding house , then , and much good it 'll do [you]369-gaunt ! "[369-gaunt] [The house]4472-the house seemed to contain [three tiny rooms]1786-three tiny rooms . Two doors led off [the main room]1787-the main room , which served as [kitchen]1241-kitchen and [living room]1789-living room com - bined . [Morfin]206-morfin was sitting in a filthy armchair beside the smoking fire , twisting a live adder between [his]206-morfin thick fingers and crooning softly at it in Parseltongue : Hissy , hissy , little snakey , Slither on the floor [You]1790-you be good to [Morfin]206-morfin Or [he]206-morfin 'll nail [you]1790-you to the door . There was a scuffling noise in the corner beside the open win - dow , and [Harry]136-harry realized that there was [somebody else]1515-somebody else in [the room]685-the room , [a girl whose ragged gray dress was the exact color of the dirty stone wall behind [her]1793-a girl whose ragged gray dress was the exact color of the dirty stone wall behind her]1793-a girl whose ragged gray dress was the exact color of the dirty stone wall behind her . [She]1793-a girl whose ragged gray dress was the exact color of the dirty stone wall behind her was standing beside a steaming pot on a grimy black stove , and was fiddling around with the shelf of squalid - looking pots and pans above it . [Her]1793-a girl whose ragged gray dress was the exact color of the dirty stone wall behind her hair was lank and dull and [she]1793-a girl whose ragged gray dress was the exact color of the dirty stone wall behind her had a plain , pale , rather heavy face . [Her]1793-a girl whose ragged gray dress was the exact color of the dirty stone wall behind her eyes , like [[her]1793-a girl whose ragged gray dress was the exact color of the dirty stone wall behind her brother]1794-her brother 's , stared in opposite directions . [She]1793-a girl whose ragged gray dress was the exact color of the dirty stone wall behind her looked a little cleaner than [the two men]1795-the two men , but [Harry]136-harry thought [he]136-harry had never seen [a more defeated - looking person]1796-a more defeated - looking person . " M'daughter , [Merope]361-merope , "[369-gaunt] said [Gaunt]369-gaunt grudgingly , as [Ogden]368-ogden looked inquiringly toward [her]1793-a girl whose ragged gray dress was the exact color of the dirty stone wall behind her . " Good morning , "[368-ogden] said [Ogden]368-ogden . [She]1793-a girl whose ragged gray dress was the exact color of the dirty stone wall behind her did not answer , but with a frightened glance at [[her]1793-a girl whose ragged gray dress was the exact color of the dirty stone wall behind her father]1797-her father turned [her]1793-a girl whose ragged gray dress was the exact color of the dirty stone wall behind her back on [the room]685-the room and continued shifting the pots on the shelf behind [her]1793-a girl whose ragged gray dress was the exact color of the dirty stone wall behind her . " Well , [Mr. Gaunt]369-gaunt , "[368-ogden] said [Ogden]368-ogden , " to get straight to the point , [we]1795-the two men have reason to believe that [[your]369-gaunt son]983-your son , [Morfin]206-morfin , performed magic in front of [a Muggle]5296-a muggle late last night . "[368-ogden] There was a deafening clang . [Merope]361-merope had dropped one of the pots . " Pick it up ! "[369-gaunt] [Gaunt]369-gaunt bellowed at [her]1793-a girl whose ragged gray dress was the exact color of the dirty stone wall behind her . " That 's it , grub on the floor like [some filthy Muggle]5297-some filthy muggle , what 's [your]361-merope wand for , [you]361-merope useless sack of muck ? "[369-gaunt] " [Mr. Gaunt]369-gaunt , please ! "[368-ogden] said [Ogden]368-ogden in a shocked voice , as [Merope]361-merope , who had already picked up the pot , flushed blotchily scarlet , lost [her]361-merope grip on the pot again1 drew [her]361-merope wand shakily from [her]361-merope pocket , pointed it at the pot , and muttered a hasty , inaudible spell that caused the pot to shoot across the floor away from [her]361-merope , hit the op - posite wall , and crack in two . [Morfin]206-morfin let out a mad cackle of laughter . [Gaunt]369-gaunt screamed , " Mend it , [[you]361-merope pointless lump]5298-you pointless lump , mend it ! "[369-gaunt] [Merope]361-merope stumbled across [the room]685-the room , but before [she]361-merope had time to raise [her]361-merope wand , [Ogden]368-ogden had lifted [his]368-ogden own and said firmly , " [Reparo]373-reparo . "[368-ogden] The pot mended itself instantly . [Gaunt]369-gaunt looked for a moment as though [he]369-gaunt was going to shout at [Ogden]368-ogden , but seemed to think better of it : Instead , [he]369-gaunt jeered at [[his]369-gaunt daughter]1800-his daughter , " Lucky [the nice man from [the Ministry]4400-the ministry 's here]5299-the nice man from the ministry 's here , is n't it ? Perhaps [he]5299-the nice man from the ministry 's here 'll take [you]1800-his daughter off [my]369-gaunt hands , perhaps [he]5299-the nice man from the ministry 's here does n't mind dirty Squibs . . . . "[369-gaunt] Without looking at [anybody]665-anybody or thanking [Ogden]368-ogden , [Merope]361-merope picked up the pot and returned it , hands trembling , to its shelf . [She]361-merope then stood quite still , [her]361-merope back against the wall between the filthy window and the stove , as though [she]361-merope wished for nothing more than to sink into the stone and vanish . " [Mr. Gaunt]369-gaunt , "[368-ogden] [Ogden]368-ogden began again , " as [I]368-ogden 've said : the reason for [my]368-ogden visit — "[368-ogden] " [I]369-gaunt heard [you]368-ogden the first time ! "[369-gaunt] snapped [Gaunt]369-gaunt . " And so what ? [Morfin]206-morfin gave [a Muggle]5296-a muggle a bit of what was coming to [him]206-morfin — what about it , then ? "[369-gaunt] " [Morfin]206-morfin has broken Wizarding law , "[368-ogden] said [Ogden]368-ogden sternly . " ' [Morfin]206-morfin has broken Wizarding law . ' "[369-gaunt] [Gaunt]369-gaunt imitated [Ogdens]371-ogdens voice , making it pompous and singsong . [Morfin]206-morfin cackled again . " [He]369-gaunt taught [a filthy Muggle]5302-a filthy muggle a lesson , that 's illegal now , is it ? "[206-morfin] " Yes , "[368-ogden] said [Ogden]368-ogden . " [I]368-ogden 'm afraid it is . "[368-ogden] [He]368-ogden pulled from an inside pocket a small scroll of parchment and unrolled it . " What 's that , then , [his]369-gaunt sentence ? "[369-gaunt] said [Gaunt]369-gaunt , [his]369-gaunt voice rising angrily . " It is a summons to [the Ministry]4400-the ministry for a hearing — "[369-gaunt] " Summons ! Summons ? Who do [you]369-gaunt think [you]369-gaunt are , summoning [[my]369-gaunt son]912-my son anywhere ? "[369-gaunt] " [I]368-ogden 'm Head of the [Magical Law Enforcement Squad]70-magical law enforcement squad , "[368-ogden] said [Ogden]368-ogden . " And [you]369-gaunt think [we]5305-we 're [scum]5306-scum , do [you]369-gaunt ? "[369-gaunt] screamed [Gaunt]369-gaunt , advanc - ing on [Ogden]368-ogden now , with a dirty yellow - nailed finger pointing at [his]369-gaunt chest . " Scum who 'll come running when [the Ministry]4400-the ministry tells ['em]5308-'em to ? Do [you]369-gaunt know who [you]369-gaunt 're talking to , [[you]369-gaunt filthy little Mudblood]5309-you filthy little mudblood , do [you]369-gaunt ? "[369-gaunt] " [I]368-ogden was under the impression that [I]368-ogden was speaking to [Mr. Gaunt]369-gaunt , "[368-ogden] said [Ogden]368-ogden , looking wary , but standing [his]368-ogden ground . " That 's right ! "[369-gaunt] roared [Gaunt]369-gaunt . For a moment , [Harry]136-harry thought [Gaunt]369-gaunt was making an obscene hand gesture , but then realized that [he]369-gaunt was showing [Ogden]368-ogden the ugly , black - stoned ring [he]369-gaunt was wearing on [his]369-gaunt middle finger , waving it before [Ogden]368-ogden 's eyes . " See this ? See this ? Know what it is ? Know where it came from ? Centuries it 's been in [[our]5310-our family]1167-our family , that 's how far back [we]5310-our go , and pure - blood all the way ! Know how much [I]369-gaunt 've been offered for this , with the Peverell coat of arms engraved on the stone ? "[369-gaunt] " [I]368-ogden 've really no idea , "[368-ogden] said [Ogden]368-ogden , blinking as the ring sailed within an inch of [his]368-ogden nose , " and it 's quite beside the point , [Mr. Gaunt]369-gaunt . [[Your]369-gaunt son]983-your son has committed — "[368-ogden] With a howl of rage , [Gaunt]369-gaunt ran toward [[his]369-gaunt daughter]1800-his daughter . For a split second , [Harry]136-harry thought [he]136-harry was going to throttle [her]1800-his daughter as [his]136-harry hand flew to [her]1800-his daughter throat ; next moment , [he]136-harry was dragging [her]1800-his daughter toward [Ogden]368-ogden by a gold chain around [her]1800-his daughter neck . " See this ? "[136-harry] [he]136-harry bellowed at [Ogden]368-ogden , shaking a heavy gold locket at [him]368-ogden , while [Merope]361-merope spluttered and gasped for breath . " [I]368-ogden see it , [I]368-ogden see it ! "[368-ogden] said [Ogden]368-ogden hastily . " [Slytherins]295-the slytherins ! "[369-gaunt] yelled [Gaunt]369-gaunt . " [Salazar Slytherin]204-slytherin 's ! [We]295-the slytherins 're [[his]204-slytherin last liv - ing descendants]5313-his last liv - ing descendants , what do [you]369-gaunt say to that , eh ? "[369-gaunt] " [Mr. Gaunt]369-gaunt , [[your]369-gaunt daughter]5314-your daughter ! "[368-ogden] said [Ogden]368-ogden in alarm , but [Gaunt]369-gaunt had already released [Merope]361-merope ; [she]361-merope staggered away from [him]369-gaunt , back to [her]361-merope corner , massaging [her]361-merope neck and gulping for air . " So ! "[369-gaunt] said [Gaunt]369-gaunt triumphantly , as though [he]369-gaunt had just proved a complicated point beyond all possible dispute . " Do n't [you]371-ogdens go talk - ing to [us]5315-us as if [we]5315-us 're dirt on [your]371-ogdens shoes ! [Generations of purebloods]5316-generations of purebloods , [wizards all]5317-wizards all — more than [you]371-ogdens can say , [I]369-gaunt do n't doubt ! "[369-gaunt] And [he]369-gaunt spat on the floor at [Ogdens]371-ogdens feet . [Morfin]206-morfin cackled again . [Merope]361-merope , huddled beside the window , [her]361-merope head bowed and [her]361-merope face hidden by [her]361-merope lank hair , said nothing . " [Mr. Gaunt]369-gaunt , "[368-ogden] said [Ogden]368-ogden doggedly , " [I]368-ogden am afraid that neither [[your]369-gaunt ancestors]5318-your ancestors nor [mine]368-ogden have anything to do with the matter in hand . [I]368-ogden am here because of [Morfin]206-morfin , [Morfin]206-morfin and the Muggle [he]206-morfin ac - costed late last night . [Our]5319-our information "[368-ogden] — [he]368-ogden glanced down at [his]368-ogden scroll of parchment — " is that [Morfin]206-morfin performed a jinx or hex on [the said Muggle]206-morfin , causing [him]206-morfin to erupt in highly painful hives . "[368-ogden] [Morfin]206-morfin giggled . " Be quiet , [boy]5320-boy , "[369-gaunt] snarled [Gaunt]369-gaunt in [Parseltongue]69-parseltongue , and [Morfin]206-morfin fell silent again . " And so what if [he]206-morfin did , then ? "[369-gaunt] [Gaunt]369-gaunt said defiantly to [Ogden]368-ogden , " [I]369-gaunt expect [you]368-ogden 've wiped [the Muggle]206-morfin 's filthy face clean for [him]206-morfin , and [his]206-morfin memory to boot — "[369-gaunt] " That 's hardly the point , is it , [Mr. Gaunt]369-gaunt ? "[368-ogden] said [Ogden]368-ogden . " This was an unprovoked attack on a defenseless — "[368-ogden] " [Ar]374-ar , [I]369-gaunt had [you]368-ogden marked out as [a Muggle]5296-a muggle - lover the moment [I]369-gaunt saw [you]368-ogden , "[369-gaunt] sneered [Gaunt]369-gaunt , and [he]369-gaunt spat on the floor again . " This discussion is getting [us]5322-us nowhere , "[368-ogden] said [Ogden]368-ogden firmly . " It is clear from [[your]368-ogden son]983-your son 's attitude that [he]983-your son feels no remorse for [his]983-your son ac - tions . "[368-ogden] [He]368-ogden glanced down at [his]368-ogden scroll of parchment again . " [Morfin]206-morfin will attend a hearing on the fourteenth of September to answer the charges of using magic in front of [a Muggle]5296-a muggle and causing harm and distress to [that same Mugg]5325-that same mugg — "[368-ogden] [Ogden]368-ogden broke off . The jingling , clopping sounds of horses and loud , laughing voices were drifting in through the open window . Apparently [the winding lane to [the village]1756-the village]1803-the winding lane to the village passed very close to [the copse where [the house]4472-the house stood]1805-the copse where the house stood . [Gaunt]369-gaunt froze , listening , [his]369-gaunt eyes wide . [Morfin]206-morfin hissed and turned [his]206-morfin face toward the sounds , [his]206-morfin expression hungry . [Merope]361-merope raised [her]361-merope head . [Her]361-merope face , [Harry]136-harry saw , was starkly white . " [[My]4778-a girl God]1238-my god , what [an eyesore]5327-an eyesore ! "[4778-a girl] rang out [a girl]4778-a girl 's voice , as clearly au - dible through the open window as if [she]4778-a girl had stood in [the room]685-the room be - side [them]1809-them . " Could n't [[your]4778-a girl father]4684-your father have that hovel cleared away , [Tom]261-dean ? "[4778-a girl] " It 's not [ours]1809-them , "[1810-a young man] said [a young man]1810-a young man 's voice . " Everything on [the other side of [the valley]1752-the valley]5329-the other side of the valley belongs to [us]1809-them , but [that cottage]5331-that cottage belongs to [an old tramp called [Gaunt]369-gaunt , and [[his]369-gaunt children]5333-his children]5332-an old tramp called gaunt , and his children . [The son]5334-the son 's quite mad , [you]4778-a girl should hear some of the stories [they]5332-an old tramp called gaunt , and his children tell in [the village]1756-the village — "[1810-a young man] [The girl]1349-the girl laughed . The jingling , clopping noises were growing louder and louder . [Morfin]206-morfin made to get out of [his]206-morfin armchair . , " Keep [your]206-morfin seat , "[904-his father] said [[his]206-morfin father]904-his father warningly , in [Parseltongue]69-parseltongue . " [Tom]261-dean , "[1349-the girl] said [the girl]1349-the girl 's voice again , now so close [they]1814-they were clearly right beside [the house]4472-the house , " [I]1349-the girl might be wrong — but has [somebody]1513-somebody nailed a snake to that door ? "[1349-the girl] " [Good lord]5250-good lord , [you]4778-a girl 're right ! "[874-the man] said [the man]874-the man 's voice . " That 'll be [the son]5334-the son , [I]874-the man told [you]375-darling [he]5334-the son 's not right in the head . Do n't look at it , [Cecilia]151-cissy , [darling]5339-darling . The jingling and clopping sounds were now growing faint again . "[874-the man] ' Darling , ' " whispered [Morfin]206-morfin in [Parseltongue]69-parseltongue , looking at [[his]206-morfin sister]5340-his sister . "[874-the man] ' [Darling]375-darling , [he]874-the man called [her]1349-the girl . So [he]874-the man would n't have [you]375-darling anyway . " [Merope]361-merope was so white [Harry]136-harry felt sure [she]361-merope was going to faint . "[874-the man] What 's that ? " said [Gaunt]369-gaunt sharply , also in [Parseltongue]69-parseltongue , looking from [[his]369-gaunt son]5341-his son to [[his]369-gaunt daughter]1800-his daughter . "[874-the man] What did [you]375-darling say , [Morfin]206-morfin ? " "[375-darling] [She]1349-the girl likes looking at [that Muggle]1817-that muggle , " said [Morfin]206-morfin , a vicious expression on [his]206-morfin face as [he]206-morfin stared at [[his]206-morfin sister]5340-his sister , who now looked terrified . "[1349-the girl] Always in [the garden]1818-the garden when [he]1817-that muggle passes , peering through the hedge at [him]1817-that muggle , is n't [she]1349-the girl ? And last night — " [Merope]361-merope shook [her]361-merope head jerkily , imploringly , but [Morfin]206-morfin went on ruthlessly , "[1349-the girl] Hanging out of the window waiting for [him]1817-that muggle to ride [home]1044-home , was n't [she]1349-the girl ? " "[1349-the girl] Hanging out of the window to look at a Muggle ? " said [Gaunt]369-gaunt quietly . [All three of [the Gaunts]376-the gaunts]5344-all three of the gaunts seemed to have forgotten [Ogden]368-ogden , who was looking both bewildered and irritated at this renewed outbreak of incomprehensible hissing and rasping . "[1349-the girl] Is it true ? " said [Gaunt]369-gaunt in a deadly voice , advancing a step or two toward [the terrified girl]5345-the terrified girl . "[1349-the girl] [[My]0-i daughter]1820-my daughter — [pure - blooded descendant of [Salazar Slytherin]204-slytherin]1821-pure - blooded descendant of salazar slytherin — hankering after [a filthy , dirt - veined Muggle]1822-a filthy , dirt - veined muggle ? " [Merope]361-merope shook [her]361-merope head frantically , pressing [herself]361-merope into the wall , apparently unable to speak . "[1820-my daughter] But [I]0-i got [him]1817-that muggle , [Father]1133-father ! " cackled [Morfin]206-morfin . "[0-i] [I]0-i got [him]1817-that muggle as [he]1817-that muggle went by and [he]1817-that muggle did n't look so pretty with hives all over [him]1817-that muggle , did [he]1817-that muggle , [Merope]361-merope ? " "[1817-that muggle] [[You]361-merope disgusting little Squib]1824-you disgusting little squib , [[you]361-merope filthy little blood traitor]1825-you filthy little blood traitor ! " roared [Gaunt]369-gaunt , losing control , and [his]369-gaunt hands closed around [[his]369-gaunt daughter]1800-his daughter 's throat . Both [Harry]136-harry and [Ogden]368-ogden yelled "[361-merope] No ! " at the same time ; [Ogden]368-ogden raised [his]368-ogden wand and cried , "[361-merope] Relaskio ! " [Gaunt]369-gaunt was thrown backward , away from [[his]369-gaunt daughter]1800-his daughter ; [he]369-gaunt tripped over a chair and fell flat on [his]369-gaunt back . With a roar of rage , [Morfin]206-morfin leapt out of [his]206-morfin chair and ran at [Ogden]368-ogden , brandishing [his]206-morfin bloody knife and firing [hexes]5348-hexes indiscriminately from [his]206-morfin wand . [Ogden]368-ogden ran for [his]368-ogden life . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore indicated that [they]5349-they ought to follow and [Harry]136-harry obeyed , [Merope]361-merope 's screams echoing in [his]136-harry ears . [Ogden]368-ogden hurtled up [the path]1760-the path and erupted onto [the main lane]5351-the main lane , [his]368-ogden arms over [his]368-ogden head , where [he]368-ogden collided with the glossy chestnut horse ridden by [a very handsome , [dark - haired young man]5353-dark - haired young man]5352-a very handsome , dark - haired young man . Both [he]368-ogden and [the pretty girl riding beside [him]368-ogden on a gray horse]5354-the pretty girl riding beside him on a gray horse roared with laughter at the sight of [Ogden]368-ogden , who bounced off the horse 's flank and set off again , [his]368-ogden frock coat flying , covered from head to foot in dust , running pell - mell up [the lane]1745-the lane . "[136-harry] [I]0-i think that will do , [Harry]136-harry , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . [He]146-dumbledore took [Harry]136-harry by the elbow and tugged . Next moment , [they]5356-they were both soaring weightlessly through darkness , until [they]5356-they landed squarely on [their]5356-they feet , back in [[Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's now twilit office]5357-dumbledore 's now twilit office . "[136-harry] What happened to [the girl in [the cottage]1778-the cottage]1826-the girl in the cottage ? " said [Harry]136-harry at once , as [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore lit extra lamps with a flick of [his]146-dumbledore wand . "[361-merope] [Merope]361-merope , or whatever [her]1826-the girl in the cottage name was ? " "[361-merope] Oh , [she]1826-the girl in the cottage survived , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , reseating [himself]146-dumbledore behind [his]146-dumbledore desk and indicating that [Harry]136-harry should sit down too . "[368-ogden] [Ogden]368-ogden Apparated back to [the Ministry]4400-the ministry and returned with reinforcements within fifteen minutes . [Morfin]206-morfin and [[his]206-morfin father]904-his father attempted to fight , but [both]4898-both were overpowered , removed from [the cottage]1778-the cottage , and subse - quently convicted by [the Wizengamot]377-the wizengamot . [Morfin]206-morfin , who already had a record of Muggle attacks , was sentenced to three years in [Azkaban]3-azkaban . [Marvolo]378-marvolo , who had injured [several Ministry employees]1832-several ministry employees addition to [Ogden]368-ogden , received six months . " "[378-marvolo] [Marvolo]378-marvolo ? " [Harry]136-harry repeated wonderingly . "[378-marvolo] That 's right , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , smiling in approval . "[0-i] [I]0-i am glad to see [you]368-ogden 're keeping up . " "[1833-that old man] [That old man]1833-that old man was — ? " "[1833-that old man] [[Voldemort]192-voldemort 's grandfather]1834-voldemort 's grandfather , yes , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[378-marvolo] [Marvolo]378-marvolo , [[his]378-marvolo son]5341-his son , [Morfin]206-morfin , and [[his]378-marvolo daughter]1800-his daughter , [Merope]361-merope , were [the last of [the Gaunts]1838-the gaunts]1837-the last of the gaunts , [a very ancient Wizarding family noted for a vein of insta - bility and violence that flourished through the generations]1839-a very ancient wizarding family noted for a vein of insta - bility and violence that flourished through the generations due to [their]1838-the gaunts habit of marrying [[their]1838-the gaunts own cousins]1840-their own cousins . Lack of sense coupled with a great liking for grandeur meant that the family gold was squandered several generations before [Marvolo]378-marvolo was born . [He]378-marvolo , as [you]1841-you saw , was left in squalor and poverty , with a very nasty temper , a fantastic amount of arrogance and pride , and a couple of family heirlooms that [he]378-marvolo treasured just as much as [[his]378-marvolo son]5341-his son , and rather more than [[his]378-marvolo daughter]1800-his daughter . " "[378-marvolo] So [Merope]361-merope , " said [Harry]136-harry , leaning forward in [his]136-harry chair and star - ing at [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , "[361-merope] so [Merope]361-merope was . . . [Sir]985-sir , does that mean [she]361-merope was . . . [[Voldemort]192-voldemort 's mother]1845-voldemort 's mother ? " "[361-merope] It does , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[361-merope] And it so happens that [we]1846-we also had a glimpse of [[Voldemort]192-voldemort 's father]1847-voldemort 's father . [I]0-i wonder whether [you]1841-you noticed ? " "[1841-you] [The Muggle Morfin]206-morfin attacked ? [The man on the horse]1848-the man on the horse ? " "[1848-the man on the horse] Very good indeed , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , beaming . "[1848-the man on the horse] Yes , that was [Tom Riddle senior]379-riddle , [the handsome Muggle who used to go riding past [the Gaunt cottage]1850-the gaunt cottage and for whom [Merope Gaunt]361-merope cherished a secret , burning passion]1849-the handsome muggle who used to go riding past the gaunt cottage and for whom merope gaunt cherished a secret , burning passion . " "[361-merope] And [they]1851-they ended up married ? " [Harry]136-harry said in disbelief , unable to imagine [two people]5358-two people less likely to fall in love . "[0-i] [I]0-i think [you]1841-you are forgetting , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , "[1841-you] that [Merope]361-merope was [a witch]1852-a witch . [I]0-i do not believe that [her]361-merope magical powers appeared to [their]1851-they best advantage when [she]361-merope was being terrorized by [[her]361-merope father]1797-her father . Once [Marvolo]379-riddle and [Morfin]206-morfin were safely in [Azkaban]3-azkaban , once [she]361-merope was alone and free for the first time in [her]361-merope life , then , [I]0-i am sure , [she]361-merope was able to give full rein to [her]361-merope abilities and to plot [her]361-merope escape from the desperate life [she]361-merope had led for eighteen years . " "[361-merope] Can [you]1841-you not think of any measure [Merope]361-merope could have taken to make [Tom Riddle]379-riddle forget [[his]379-riddle Muggle companion]1854-his muggle companion , and fall in love with [her]361-merope instead ? " "[1841-you] The Imperius Curse ? " [Harry]136-harry suggested . "[1841-you] Or a love potion ? " "[1841-you] Very good . Personally , [I]0-i am inclined to think that [she]361-merope used a love potion . [I]0-i am sure it would have seemed more romantic to [her]361-merope , and [I]0-i do not think it would have been very difficult , some hot day , when [Riddle]379-riddle was riding alone , to persuade [him]379-riddle to take a drink of water . In any case , within a few months of the scene [we]1855-we have just witnessed , [the village of [Little Hangleton]67-little hangleton]1856-the village of little hangleton enjoyed a tremendous scandal . [You]1857-you can imagine the gossip it caused when [[the squire]1858-the squire 's son]1859-the squire 's son ran off with [[the tramp]1860-the tramp 's daughter]1861-the tramp 's daughter , [Merope]361-merope . " "[361-merope] But [the villagers]1862-the villagers ' shock was nothing to [Marvolo]379-riddle 's . [He]379-riddle returned from [Azkaban]3-azkaban , expecting to find [[his]379-riddle daughter]1800-his daughter dutifully awaiting [his]379-riddle return with a hot meal ready on [his]379-riddle table . Instead , [he]379-riddle found a clear inch of dust and [her]1800-his daughter note of farewell , explaining what [she]1800-his daughter had done . " "[1800-his daughter] From all that [I]0-i have been able to discover , [he]379-riddle never mentioned [her]1800-his daughter name or existence from that time forth . The shock of [her]1800-his daughter de - sertion may have contributed to [his]379-riddle early death — or perhaps [he]379-riddle had simply never learned to feed [himself]379-riddle . [Azkaban]3-azkaban had greatly weakened [Marvolo]379-riddle , and [he]379-riddle did not live to see [Morfin]206-morfin return to [the cottage]1778-the cottage . " "[206-morfin] And [Merope]361-merope ? [She]361-merope . .. [she]361-merope died , did n't [she]361-merope ? Was n't [Voldemort]192-voldemort brought up in [an orphanage]1865-an orphanage ? " "[192-voldemort] Yes , indeed , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[192-voldemort] [We]1866-we must do a certain amount of guessing here , although [I]0-i do not think it is difficult to deduce what happened . [You]1867-you see , within a few months of [their]1866-we runaway marriage , [Tom Riddle]379-riddle reappeared at [the manor house in [Little Hangleton]67-little hangleton]1868-the manor house in little hangleton without [[his]379-riddle wife]1869-his wife . The rumor flew around [the neighbor - hood]1870-the neighbor - hood that [he]379-riddle was talking of being ' hoodwinked ' and ' taken in . ' What [he]379-riddle meant , [I]0-i am sure , is that [he]379-riddle had been under an enchant - ment that had now lifted , though [I]0-i daresay [he]379-riddle did not dare use those precise words for fear of being thought insane . When [they]1871-they heard what [he]379-riddle was saying , however , [the villagers]1862-the villagers guessed that [Merope]361-merope had lied to [Tom Riddle]379-riddle , pretending that [she]361-merope was going to have [[his]379-riddle baby]1873-his baby , and that [he]379-riddle had married [her]361-merope for this reason . " "[379-riddle] But [she]361-merope did have [[his]379-riddle baby]1873-his baby . " "[379-riddle] But not until a year after [they]1875-they were married . [Tom Riddle]379-riddle left [her]361-merope while [she]361-merope was still pregnant . " "[379-riddle] What went wrong ? " asked [Harry]136-harry . "[379-riddle] Why did the love potion stop working ? " "[379-riddle] Again , this is guesswork , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , "[379-riddle] but [I]0-i believe that [Merope]361-merope , who was deeply in love with [[her]361-merope husband]4767-her husband , could not bear to continue enslaving [him]379-riddle by magical means . [I]0-i believe that [she]361-merope made the choice to stop giving [him]379-riddle the potion . Perhaps , besotted as [she]361-merope was , [she]361-merope had convinced [herself]361-merope that [he]379-riddle would by now have fallen in love with [her]361-merope in return . Perhaps [she]361-merope thought [he]379-riddle would stay for [the baby]1877-the baby 's sake . If so , [she]361-merope was wrong on both counts . [He]379-riddle left [her]361-merope , never saw [her]361-merope again , and never troubled to discover what became of [[his]379-riddle son]5341-his son . " The sky outside was inky black and the lamps in [[Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's office]4815-dumbledore 's office seemed to glow more brightly than before . "[0-i] [I]0-i think that will do for tonight , [Harry]136-harry , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore after a moment or two . "[136-harry] Yes , [sir]985-sir , " said [Harry]136-harry . [He]136-harry got to [his]136-harry feet , but did not leave . "[985-sir] [Sir]985-sir ... is it important to know all this about [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's past ? " "[0-i] Very important , [I]0-i think , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[0-i] And it ... it 's got something to do with the prophecy ? " "[0-i] It has everything to do with the prophecy . " "[0-i] Right , " said [Harry]136-harry , a little confused , but reassured all the same . [He]136-harry turned to go , then another question occurred to [him]136-harry , and [he]136-harry turned back again . "[985-sir] [Sir]985-sir , am [I]0-i allowed to tell [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]358-hermione everything [you]985-sir 've told [me]0-i ? " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore considered [him]136-harry for a moment , then said , "[985-sir] Yes , [I]0-i think [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley and [Miss Granger]194-hermione have proved [themselves]1882-themselves trust - worthy . But [Harry]136-harry , [I]0-i am going to ask [you]136-harry to ask [them]1882-themselves not to repeat any of this to [anybody else]1679-anybody else . It would not be a good idea if word got around how much [I]0-i know , or suspect , about [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort 's secrets . " "[192-voldemort] No , [sir]985-sir , [I]0-i 'll make sure it 's just [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione . Good night . " [He]136-harry turned away again , and was almost at the door when [he]136-harry saw it . Sitting on one of the little spindle - legged tables that supported so many frail - looking silver instruments , was an ugly gold ring set with a large , cracked , black stone . "[985-sir] [Sir]985-sir , " said [Harry]136-harry , staring at it . "[985-sir] That ring — " "[985-sir] Yes ? " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[985-sir] [You]136-harry were wearing it when [we]1886-we visited [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn that night . " "[136-harry] So [I]0-i was , " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore agreed . "[0-i] But is n't it ... [sir]985-sir , is n't it the same ring [Marvolo Gaunt]378-marvolo showed [Ogden]368-ogden ? " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore bowed [his]146-dumbledore head . "[378-marvolo] The very same . " "[378-marvolo] But how come — ? Have [you]136-harry always had it ? " "[136-harry] No , [I]0-i acquired it very recently , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[0-i] A few days before [I]0-i came to fetch [you]136-harry from [[your]136-harry aunt]986-your aunt and [uncle]987-uncle 's , in fact . " "[0-i] That would be around the time [you]136-harry injured [your]136-harry hand , then , [sir]985-sir ? " "[985-sir] Around that time , yes , [Harry]136-harry . " [Harry]136-harry hesitated . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was smiling . "[985-sir] [Sir]985-sir , how exactly — ? " "[985-sir] Too late , [Harry]136-harry ! [You]136-harry shall hear the story another time . Good night . " "[985-sir] Good night , [sir]985-sir . "[985-sir] Chapter 11 : [Hermione]194-hermione 's helping hand As [Hermione]194-hermione had predicted , the sixth years ' free periods were not the hours of blissful relaxation [Ron]217-ron had antici - pated , but times in which to attempt to keep up with the vast amount of homework [they]1893-we were being set . Not only were [they]1893-we studying as though [they]1893-we had exams every day , but the lessons [them]1893-we - selves had become more demanding than ever before . [Harry]136-harry barely understood half of what [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall said to [them]1893-we these days ; even [Hermione]194-hermione had had to ask [her]194-hermione to repeat instructions once or twice . Incredibly , and to [Hermione]194-hermione 's increasing resentment , [Harry]136-harry 's best subject had suddenly become Potions , thanks to [the Half - Blood Prince]649-the half - blood prince . Nonverbal spells were now expected , not only in Defense Against the Dark Arts , but in Charms and Transfiguration too . [Harry]136-harry frequently looked over at [[his]136-harry classmates]1895-his classmates in [the common room]1602-the common room or at mealtimes to see [them]1895-his classmates purple in the face and straining as though [they]1895-his classmates had overdosed on U - No - Poo ; but [he]136-harry knew that [they]1895-his classmates were really struggling to make spells work without saying incanta - tions aloud . It was a relief to get outside into [the greenhouses]1897-the greenhouses ; [they]1893-we were dealing with more dangerous plants than ever in Herbology , but at least [they]1893-we were still allowed to swear loudly if [the Venomous Tentacula]382-the venomous tentacula seized [them]1893-we unexpectedly from behind . One result of [their]1893-we enormous workload and the frantic hours of practicing nonverbal spells was that [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , and [Hermione]194-hermione had so far been unable to find time to go and visit [Hagrid]218-hagrid . [He]136-harry had stopped coming to meals at the staff table , an ominous sign , and on the few occasions when [they]1893-we had passed [him]136-harry in [the corridors]1409-the corridors or out in [the grounds]1899-the grounds , [he]136-harry had mysteriously failed to notice [them]1893-we or hear [their]1893-we greetings . " [We]1893-we 've got to go and explain , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , looking up at [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's huge empty chair at the staff table the following Saturday at breakfast . " [We]1893-we 've got Quidditch tryouts this morning ! "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron . " And [we]1893-we 're supposed to be practicing that Aguamenti Charm from [Flitwick]383-professor flitwick ! Anyway , explain what ? How are [we]1893-we going to tell [him]136-harry [we]1893-we hated [his]136-harry stupid subject ? "[217-ron] " [We]1893-we did n't hate it ! "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione . " Speak for [yourself]5360-you , [I]217-ron have n't forgotten [the skrewts]5361-the skrewts , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron darkly . " And [I]217-ron 'm telling [you]5360-you now , [we]1893-we 've had a narrow escape . [You]5360-you did n't hear [him]136-harry going on about [[his]136-harry gormless brother]5362-his gormless brother — [we]1893-we 'd have been teaching [Grawp]338-grawp how to tie [his]338-grawp shoelaces if [we]1893-we 'd stayed . "[217-ron] " [I]194-hermione hate not talking to [Hagrid]218-hagrid , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , looking upset . " [We]1893-we 'll go down after [Quidditch]214-quidditch , "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry assured [her]194-hermione . [He]136-harry too was missing [Hagrid]218-hagrid , although like [Ron]217-ron [he]136-harry thought that [they]1900-they were bet - ter off without [Grawp]338-grawp in [their]1900-they lives . " But trials might take all morning , the number of [people who have applied]5363-people who have applied . "[136-harry] [He]136-harry felt slightly nervous at confronting the first hurdle of [his]136-harry Captaincy . " [I]136-harry dunno why [the team]4847-the team 's this popular all of a sudden . "[136-harry] " Oh , come on , [Harry]136-harry , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , suddenly impatient . " It 's not [Quidditch]214-quidditch that 's popular , it 's [you]136-harry ! [You]136-harry 've never been more in - teresting , and frankly , [you]136-harry 've never been more fanciable . "[194-hermione] [Ron]217-ron gagged on a large piece of kipper . [Hermione]194-hermione spared [him]217-ron one look of disdain before turning back to [Harry]136-harry . " [Everyone]4750-everyone knows [you]136-harry 've been telling the truth now , do n't [they]4750-everyone ? [The whole Wizarding world]5366-the whole wizarding world has had to admit that [you]136-harry were right about [Voldemort]192-voldemort being back and that [you]136-harry really have fought [him]192-voldemort twice in the last two years and escaped both times . And now [they]4750-everyone 're calling [you]136-harry ' [the Chosen One]940-the chosen one ' — well , come on , ca n't [you]136-harry see why [people]681-people are fascinated by [you]136-harry ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry was finding [the Great Hall]72-the great hall very hot all of a sudden , even though the ceiling still looked cold and rainy . " And [you]136-harry 've been through all that persecution from [the Ministry]4400-the ministry when [they]4750-everyone were trying to make out [you]136-harry were unstable and [a liar]5370-a liar . [You]136-harry can still see the marks on the back of [your]136-harry hand where [that evil woman]5371-that evil woman made [you]136-harry write with [your]136-harry own blood , but [you]136-harry stuck to [your]136-harry story anyway . ... "[194-hermione] " [You]136-harry can still see where those brains got hold of [me]217-ron in [the Min - istry]5372-the min - istry , look , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , shaking back [his]217-ron sleeves . " And it does n't hurt that [you]217-ron 've grown about a foot over the summer either , "[194-hermione] [Hermione]194-hermione finished , ignoring [Ron]217-ron . " [I]217-ron 'm tall , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron inconsequentially . The post owls arrived , swooping down through rain - flecked windows , scattering [everyone]4750-everyone with droplets of water . [Most people]4725-most people were receiving more post than usual ; [anxious parents]1903-anxious parents were keen to hear from [[their]1903-anxious parents children]1904-their children and to reassure [them]1904-their children , in turn , that all was well at [home]1044-home . [Harry]136-harry had received no mail since the start of term ; [[his]136-harry only regular correspondent]1906-his only regular correspondent was now dead and although [he]136-harry had hoped that [Lupin]227-lupin might write occasionally , [he]136-harry had so far been disappointed . [He]136-harry was very surprised , therefore , to see the snowy white Hedwig circling amongst all the brown and gray owls . [She]194-hermione landed in front of [him]136-harry carrying a large , square package . A moment later , an identical package landed in front of [Ron]217-ron , crushing beneath it [his]217-ron minuscule and exhausted owl , [Pigwidgeon]267-pigwidgeon . " Ha ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , unwrapping the parcel to reveal a new copy of Advanced Potion - Making , fresh from Flourish and Blotts . " Oh good , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , delighted . " Now [you]136-harry can give that graffitied copy back . "[194-hermione] " Are [you]136-harry mad ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [I]136-harry 'm keeping it ! Look , [I]136-harry 've thought it out — "[136-harry] [He]136-harry pulled the old copy of Advanced Potion - Making out of [his]136-harry bag and tapped the cover with [his]136-harry wand , muttering , " Dijjindo ! "[136-harry] The cover fell off . [He]136-harry did the same thing with the brand - new book ( [Hermione]194-hermione looked scandalized ) . [He]136-harry then swapped the covers , tapped each , and said , " Reparo ! "[136-harry] There sat [the Prince]1725-the prince 's copy , disguised as a new book , and there sat the fresh copy from Flourish and Blotts , looking thoroughly secondhand . " [I]194-hermione 'll give [Slughorn]216-slughorn back the new one , [he]216-slughorn ca n't complain , it cost [nine Galleons]5373-nine galleons . "[194-hermione] [Hermione]194-hermione pressed [her]194-hermione lips together , looking angry and disap - proving , but was distracted by a third owl landing in front of [her]194-hermione carrying that day 's copy of the Daily Prophet . [She]194-hermione unfolded it hastily and scanned the front page . " [Anyone]660-anyone [we]5375-we know dead ? "[217-ron] asked [Ron]217-ron in a determinedly casual voice ; [he]217-ron posed the same question every time [Hermione]194-hermione opened [her]194-hermione paper . " No , but there have been more dementor attacks , "[384-hermi] said [Hermi]384-hermi - one . " And an arrest . "[384-hermi] " Excellent , who ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , thinking of [Bellatrix Lestrange]157-bellatrix . " [Stan Shunpike]385-stan shunpike , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione . " What ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , startled . " ' [Stanley Shunpike]385-stan shunpike , [conductor on the popular Wizarding con - veyance the Knight Bus]5376-conductor on the popular wizarding con - veyance the knight bus , has been arrested on suspicion of Death Eater activity . [Mr. Shunpike]386-mr. shunpike , 21 , was taken into custody late last night after a raid on [[his]386-mr. shunpike [Clapham]73-clapham home]5377-his clapham home . . . ' "[136-harry] " [Stan Shunpike]385-stan shunpike , [a Death Eater]4651-a death eater ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , remembering [the spotty youth [he]136-harry had first met three years before]1908-the spotty youth he had first met three years before . " No way ! "[136-harry] " [He]385-stan shunpike might have been put under the Imperius Curse , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron reasonably . " [You]194-hermione never can tell . "[217-ron] " It does n't look like it , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , who was still reading . " [It]5379-it says here [he]385-stan shunpike was arrested after [he]385-stan shunpike was overheard talking about [the Death Eaters]4511-the death eaters ' secret plans in [a pub]5381-a pub . "[194-hermione] [She]194-hermione looked up with a troubled expression on [her]194-hermione face . " If [he]385-stan shunpike was under the Imperius Curse , [he]385-stan shunpike 'd hardly stand around gossiping about [their]4511-the death eaters plans , would [he]385-stan shunpike ? "[194-hermione] " It sounds like [he]385-stan shunpike was trying to make out [he]385-stan shunpike knew more than [he]385-stan shunpike did , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron . " Is n't [he]385-stan shunpike the one who claimed [he]385-stan shunpike was going to be - come [Minister of Magic]4433-minister of magic when [he]385-stan shunpike was trying to chat up those veela ? "[217-ron] " Yeah , that 's [him]385-stan shunpike , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [I]136-harry dunno what [they]4511-the death eaters 're playing at , taking [Stan]385-stan shunpike seriously . "[136-harry] " [They]4511-the death eaters probably want to look as though [they]4511-the death eaters 're doing some - thing , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , frowning . " [People]681-people are terrified — [you]5384-you know [[the Patil twins]5385-the patil twins ' parents]5386-the patil twins ' parents want [them]4511-the death eaters to go [home]1044-home ? And [Eloise Midgen]387-eloise midgen has already been withdrawn . [[Her]387-eloise midgen father]1797-her father picked [her]387-eloise midgen up last night . "[194-hermione] " What ! "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , goggling at [Hermione]194-hermione . " But [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts is safer than [[their]4511-the death eaters homes]5389-their homes , bound to be ! [We]5390-we 've got [Aurors]1277-aurors , and all those extra protective spells , and [we]5390-we 've got [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ! "[217-ron] " [I]194-hermione do n't think [we]5390-we 've got [him]146-dumbledore all the time , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione very quietly , glancing toward the staff table over the top of [the Prophet]5056-the prophet . " Have n't [you]136-harry noticed ? [His]146-dumbledore seat 's been empty as often as [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's this past week . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron looked up at the staff table . [The headmaster]1054-the headmaster 's chair was indeed empty . Now [Harry]136-harry came to think of it , [he]136-harry had not seen [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore since [their]1911-they private lesson a week ago . " [I]194-hermione think [he]146-dumbledore 's left [the school]1525-the school to do something with the Order , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione in a low voice . " [I]194-hermione mean . . . it 's all looking serious , is n't it ? "[194-hermione] [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron did not answer , but [Harry]136-harry knew that [they]1911-they were all thinking the same thing . There had been a horrible incident the day before , when [Hannah Abbott]388-hannah abbott had been taken out of [Herbology]74-herbology to be told [[her]388-hannah abbott mother]1912-her mother had been found dead . [They]1911-they had not seen [Hannah]388-hannah abbott since . When [they]1911-they left the Gryffindor table five minutes later to head down to [the Quidditch pitch]1913-the quidditch pitch , [they]1911-they passed [Lavender Brown]343-lavender and [Parvati Patil]346-parvati . Remembering what [Hermione]194-hermione had said about [[the Patil twins]5385-the patil twins ' parents]5386-the patil twins ' parents wanting [them]5385-the patil twins to leave [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , [Harry]136-harry was unsurprised to see that [the two best friends]1916-the two best friends were whispering to - [gether]1917-gether , looking distressed . What did surprise [him]136-harry was that when [Ron]217-ron drew level with [them]1916-the two best friends , [Parvati]346-parvati suddenly nudged [Lavender]343-lavender , who looked around and gave [Ron]217-ron a wide smile . [Ron]217-ron blinked at [her]343-lavender , then returned the smile uncertainly . [His]217-ron walk instantly became something more like a strut . [Harry]136-harry resisted the temptation to laugh , re - membering that [Ron]217-ron had refrained from doing so after [Malfoy]170-malfoy had broken [Harry]136-harry 's nose ; [Hermione]194-hermione , however , looked cold and distant all the way down to [the stadium]1918-the stadium through the cool , misty drizzle , and departed to find a place in [the stands]1919-the stands without wishing [Ron]217-ron good luck . As [Harry]136-harry had expected , the trials took most of the morning . [Half of [Gryffindor House]62-gryffindor house]1920-half of gryffindor house seemed to have turned up , from [first years who were nervously clutching a selection of the dreadful old school brooms]1921-first years who were nervously clutching a selection of the dreadful old school brooms , to seventh years who towered over the rest , looking coolly intimidating . The latter included [a large , wiry - haired boy [Harry]136-harry recognized immediately from the [Hogwarts Express]64-hogwarts express]1922-a large , wiry - haired boy harry recognized immediately from the hogwarts express . " [We]5393-we met on [the train]1411-the train , in [[old Sluggy]389-old sluggy 's compartment]5395-old sluggy 's compartment , "[1922-a large , wiry - haired boy harry recognized immediately from the hogwarts express] [he]1922-a large , wiry - haired boy harry recognized immediately from the hogwarts express said confidently , stepping out of [the crowd]4912-the crowd to shake [Harry]136-harry 's hand . " [Cormac McLaggen]302-mclaggen , [Keeper]5396-keeper . "[1922-a large , wiry - haired boy harry recognized immediately from the hogwarts express] " [You]302-mclaggen did n't try out last year , did [you]302-mclaggen ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry , taking note of the breadth of [McLaggen]302-mclaggen and thinking that [he]1922-a large , wiry - haired boy harry recognized immediately from the hogwarts express would probably block all three goal hoops without even moving . " [I]302-mclaggen was in [the hospital wing]5397-the hospital wing when [they]5398-they held the trials , "[302-mclaggen] said [McLaggen]302-mclaggen , with something of a swagger . " Ate a pound of doxy eggs for a bet . "[302-mclaggen] " Right , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Well . . . if [you]302-mclaggen wait over there ... "[136-harry] [He]136-harry pointed over to the edge of [the pitch]1924-the pitch , close to where [Hermi - one]1925-hermi - one was sitting . [He]136-harry thought [he]136-harry saw a flicker of annoyance pass over [McLaggen]302-mclaggen 's face and wondered whether [McLaggen]302-mclaggen expected pref - erential treatment because [they]1926-they were both " [old Sluggy 's "[302-mclaggen] favorites]5399-old sluggy 's " favorites . [Harry]136-harry decided to start with a basic test , asking [all applicants for [the team]4847-the team]1927-all applicants for the team to divide into [groups of ten and fly once around the pitch]1929-groups of ten and fly once around the pitch . This was a good decision : the first ten was made up of first years , and it could not have been plainer that [they]1930-they had hardly ever flown before . [Only one boy]1931-only one boy managed to remain airborne for more than a few seconds , and [he]1931-only one boy was so surprised [he]1931-only one boy promptly crashed into one of the goal posts . [The second group]1932-the second group was comprised of [ten of [the silliest girls [Harry]136-harry had ever encountered]1934-the silliest girls harry had ever encountered , who , when [he]136-harry blew [his]136-harry whistle , merely fell about giggling and clutching one another]1933-ten of the silliest girls harry had ever encountered , who , when he blew his whistle , merely fell about giggling and clutching one another . [Romilda Vane]293-romilda vane was amongst [them]1932-the second group . When [he]136-harry told [them]1932-the second group to leave [the pitch]1924-the pitch , [they]1932-the second group did so quite cheerfully and went to sit in the stands to heckle [everyone else]1936-everyone else . [The third group]1937-the third group had a pileup halfway around [the pitch]1924-the pitch . [Most of [the fourth group]1940-the fourth group]1939-most of the fourth group had come without broomsticks . [The fifth group]1941-the fifth group were [Hufflepuffs]390-hufflepuffs . " If there 's [anyone else here who 's not from [Gryffindor]205-gryffindor]5400-anyone else here who 's not from gryffindor , "[136-harry] roared [Harry]136-harry , who was starting to get seriously annoyed , " leave now , please ! There was a pause , then [a couple of little Ravenclaws]5401-a couple of little ravenclaws went sprinting off [the pitch]1924-the pitch , snorting with laughter . After two hours , many complaints , and several tantrums , one in - volving a crashed [Comet Two Sixty]391-comet two sixty and several broken teeth , [Harry]136-harry had found [himself]136-harry [three Chasers]5403-three chasers : [Katie Bell]153-katie , returned to [the team]4847-the team after an excellent trial ; a new find called [Demelza Robins]392-demelza , who was particularly good at dodging [Bludgers]393-bludgers ; and [Ginny Weasley]236-ginny , who had outflown all the competition and scored seventeen goals to boot . Pleased though [he]136-harry was with [his]136-harry choices , [Harry]136-harry had also shouted [himself]136-harry hoarse at [the many complainers]5405-the many complainers and was now enduring a similar battle with [the rejected Beaters]394-the rejected beaters . "[136-harry] That 's [my]0-i final decision and if [you]1942-you do n't get out of the way of the Keepers [I]0-i 'll hex [you]1942-you , " [he]0-i bellowed . [Neither of [[his]136-harry chosen Beaters]5407-his chosen beaters]5406-neither of his chosen beaters had the old brilliance of [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george , but [he]136-harry was still reasonably pleased with [them]5407-his chosen beaters : [Jimmy Peakes]395-peakes , [a short but broad - chested third - year boy who had managed to raise a lump the size of an egg on the back of [Harry]136-harry 's head with a ferociously hit [Bludger]396-bludger]5408-a short but broad - chested third - year boy who had managed to raise a lump the size of an egg on the back of harry 's head with a ferociously hit bludger , and [Ritchie Coote]397-coote , who looked weedy but aimed well . [They]5407-his chosen beaters now joined [Katie]153-katie , [Demelza]392-demelza , and [Ginny]236-ginny in the stands to watch the selection of [[their]5407-his chosen beaters last team member]5409-their last team member . [Harry]136-harry had deliberately left the trial of [the Keepers]5410-the keepers until last , hoping for [an emptier stadium]5411-an emptier stadium and less pressure on [all concerned]5412-all concerned . Unfortunately , however , [all the rejected players]5413-all the rejected players and a number of [people who had come down to watch after a lengthy breakfast]5414-people who had come down to watch after a lengthy breakfast had joined [the crowd]4912-the crowd by now , so that it was larger than ever . As [each Keeper]5416-each keeper flew up to the goal hoops , [the crowd]4912-the crowd roared and jeered in equal measure . [Harry]136-harry glanced over at [Ron]217-ron , who had always had a problem with nerves ; [Harry]136-harry had hoped that winning [their]5407-his chosen beaters final match last term might have cured it , but apparently not : [Ron]217-ron was a delicate shade of green . [None of the first five applicants]5418-none of the first five applicants saved more than two goals apiece . To [Harry]136-harry 's great disappointment , [Cormac McLaggen]302-mclaggen saved four penalties out of five . On the last one , however , [he]302-mclaggen shot off in completely the wrong direction ; [the crowd]4912-the crowd laughed and booed and [McLaggen]302-mclaggen returned to the ground grinding [his]302-mclaggen teeth . [Ron]217-ron looked ready to pass out as [he]217-ron mounted [his]217-ron Cleansweep Eleven . "[0-i] Good luck ! " cried a voice from the stands . [Harry]136-harry looked around , expecting to see [Hermione]194-hermione , but it was [Lavender Brown]343-lavender . [He]136-harry would have quite liked to have hidden [his]136-harry face in [his]136-harry hands , as [she]194-hermione did a moment later , but thought that as [the Captain]5420-the captain [he]136-harry ought to show slightly more grit , and so turned to watch [Ron]217-ron do [his]217-ron trial . Yet [he]136-harry need not have worried : [Ron]217-ron saved one , two , three , four , five penalties in a row . Delighted , and resisting joining in the cheers of [the crowd]4912-the crowd with difficulty , [Harry]136-harry turned to [McLaggen]302-mclaggen to tell [him]302-mclaggen that , most unfortunately , [Ron]217-ron had beaten [him]136-harry , only to find [McLaggen]302-mclaggen 's red face inches from [his]136-harry own . [He]136-harry stepped back hastily . "[5340-his sister] [[His]1943-you sister]5340-his sister did n't really try , " said [McLaggen]302-mclaggen menacingly . There was a vein pulsing in [his]302-mclaggen temple like the one [Harry]136-harry had often ad - mired in [Uncle Vernon]179-uncle vernon 's . "[5340-his sister] [She]5340-his sister gave [him]1943-you an easy save . " "[5340-his sister] Rubbish , " said [Harry]136-harry coldly . "[5340-his sister] That was the one [he]1943-you nearly missed . " [McLaggen]302-mclaggen took a step nearer [Harry]136-harry , who stood [his]136-harry ground this time . "[5340-his sister] Give [me]0-i another go . " "[5340-his sister] No , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[1943-you] [You]1943-you 've had [your]1943-you go . [You]1943-you saved four . [Ron]217-ron saved five . [[Ron]217-ron 's Keeper]1945-ron 's keeper , [he]217-ron won it fair and square . Get out of [my]0-i way . " [He]136-harry thought for a moment that [McLaggen]302-mclaggen might punch [him]136-harry , but [he]136-harry contented [himself]136-harry with an ugly grimace and stormed away , growling what sounded like threats to thin air . [Harry]136-harry turned around to find [[his]136-harry new team]5422-his new team beaming at [him]136-harry . "[0-i] Well done , " [he]136-harry croaked . "[1943-you] [You]1943-you flew really well — " "[1943-you] [You]1943-you did brilliantly , [Ron]217-ron ! " This time it really was [Hermione]194-hermione running toward [them]5422-his new team from [the stands]1919-the stands ; [Harry]136-harry saw [Lavender]343-lavender walking off the pitch , arm in arm with [Parvati]346-parvati , a rather grumpy expression on [her]194-hermione face . [Ron]217-ron looked extremely pleased with [himself]217-ron and even taller than usual as [he]217-ron grinned at [the team]4847-the team and at [Hermione]194-hermione . After fixing the time of [their]5422-his new team first full practice for the following Thursday , [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , and [Hermione]194-hermione bade good - bye to [the rest of [the team]4847-the team]5425-the rest of the team and headed off toward [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's . A watery sun was trying to break through the clouds now and it had stopped drizzling at last . [Harry]136-harry felt extremely hungry ; [he]136-harry hoped there would be some - thing to eat at [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's . "[217-ron] [I]0-i thought [I]0-i was going to miss that fourth penalty , " [Ron]217-ron was say - ing happily . "[0-i] Tricky shot from [Demelza]392-demelza , did [you]0-i see , had a bit of spin on it — " "[0-i] Yes , yes , [you]0-i were magnificent , " said [Hermione]194-hermione , looking amused . "[0-i] [I]0-i was better than that [McLaggen]302-mclaggen anyway , " said [Ron]217-ron in a highly satisfied voice . "[302-mclaggen] Did [you]0-i see [him]302-mclaggen lumbering off in the wrong direc - tion on [his]302-mclaggen fifth ? Looked like [he]302-mclaggen 'd been Confunded . ... " To [Harry]136-harry 's surprise , [Hermione]194-hermione turned a very deep shade of pink at these words . [Ron]217-ron noticed nothing ; [he]217-ron was too busy describing each of [his]217-ron other penalties in loving detail . [The great gray hippogriff]5427-the great gray hippogriff , [Buckbeak]189-buckbeak , was tethered in front of [[Hagrid]218-hagrid 's cabin]5428-hagrid 's cabin . [He]302-mclaggen clicked [his]302-mclaggen razor - sharp beak at [their]5429-their approach and turned [his]302-mclaggen huge head toward [them]5429-their . "[302-mclaggen] Oh dear , " said [Hermione]194-hermione nervously . "[302-mclaggen] [He]302-mclaggen 's still a bit scary , is n't [he]302-mclaggen ? " "[302-mclaggen] Come off it , [you]1946-you 've ridden [him]302-mclaggen , have n't [you]1946-you ? " said [Ron]217-ron . [Harry]136-harry stepped forward and bowed low to [the hippogriff]5430-the hippogriff without breaking eye contact or blinking . After a few seconds , [Buckbeak]189-buckbeak sank into a bow too . "[1946-you] How are [you]1946-you ? " [Harry]136-harry asked [him]1946-you in a low voice , moving for - ward to stroke the feathery head . "[1946-you] Missing [him]302-mclaggen ? But [you]1946-you 're okay here with [Hagrid]218-hagrid , are n't [you]1946-you ? " "[1946-you] Oi ! " said a loud voice . [Hagrid]218-hagrid had come striding around the corner of [[his]302-mclaggen cabin]5431-his cabin wearing a large flowery apron and carrying a sack of potatoes . [His]302-mclaggen enormous boarhound , [Fang]398-fang , was at [his]302-mclaggen heels ; [Fang]398-fang gave a booming bark and bounded forward . "[1946-you] Git away from [him]302-mclaggen ! [He]302-mclaggen 'll have [yer]1946-you fingers — oh . It 's yeh lot . " [Fang]398-fang was jumping up at [Hermione]194-hermione and [Ron]217-ron , attempting to lick [their]1946-you ears . [Hagrid]218-hagrid stood and looked at [them]1946-you all for a split second , then turned and strode into [[his]302-mclaggen cabin]5431-his cabin , slamming the door behind [him]302-mclaggen . "[1946-you] Oh dear ! " said [Hermione]194-hermione , looking stricken . "[1946-you] Do n't worry about it , " said [Harry]136-harry grimly . [He]136-harry walked over to the door and knocked loudly . "[218-hagrid] [Hagrid]218-hagrid ! Open up , [we]1947-we want to talk to [you]218-hagrid ! " There was no sound from within . "[1947-we] If [you]218-hagrid do n't open the door , [we]1947-we 'll blast it open ! " [Harry]136-harry said , pulling out [his]136-harry wand . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry ! " said [Hermione]194-hermione , sounding shocked . "[136-harry] [You]136-harry ca n't pos - sibly — " "[136-harry] Yeah , [I]0-i can ! " said [Harry]136-harry . "[136-harry] Stand back — " But before [he]136-harry could say anything else , the door flew open again as [Harry]136-harry had known it would , and there stood [Hagrid]218-hagrid , glowering down at [him]136-harry and looking , despite the flowery apron , positively alarming . "[136-harry] [I]0-i 'm [a teacher]4686-a teacher ! " [he]0-i roared at [Harry]136-harry . "[4686-a teacher] [A teacher]4686-a teacher , [Potter]136-harry ! How dare [yeh]1950-yeh threaten ter break down [my]0-i door ! " "[1950-yeh] [I]0-i 'm sorry , [sir]985-sir " said [Harry]136-harry , emphasizing the last word as [he]136-harry stowed [his]136-harry wand inside [his]136-harry robes . [Hagrid]218-hagrid looked stunned . "[985-sir] Since when have [yeh]1950-yeh called [me]0-i ' [sir]985-sir ' ? " "[1950-yeh] Since when have [you]1950-yeh called [me]0-i ' [Potter]136-harry ' ? " "[1950-yeh] Oh , very clever , " growled [Hagrid]218-hagrid . "[1950-yeh] Very amusin ' . That 's [me]0-i outsmarted , innit ? All righ ' , come in then , [yeh]1950-yeh ungrateful little . . . " Mumbling darkly , [he]0-i stood back to let [them]5433-them pass . [Hermione]194-hermione scurried in after [Harry]136-harry , looking rather frightened . "[1950-yeh] Well ? " said [Hagrid]218-hagrid grumpily , as [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , and [Hermione]194-hermione sat down around [his]136-harry enormous wooden table , [Fang]398-fang laying [his]398-fang head im - mediately upon [Harry]136-harry 's knee and drooling all over [his]136-harry robes . "[1950-yeh] What 's this ? Feelin ' sorry for [me]0-i ? Reckon [I]0-i 'm lonely or summat ? " "[1954-yeh] No , " said [Harry]136-harry at once . "[1954-yeh] [We]1953-they wanted to see [you]0-i . " "[1953-they] [We]1953-they 've missed [you]0-i ! " said [Hermione]194-hermione tremulously . "[1954-yeh] Missed [me]0-i , have [yeh]1954-yeh ? " snorted [Hagrid]218-hagrid . "[1954-yeh] Yeah . [Righ]399-righ ' . " [He]136-harry stomped around , brewing up tea in [his]136-harry enormous copper kettle , muttering all the while . Finally [he]136-harry slammed down three bucket - sized mugs of mahogany - brown tea in front of [them]1953-they and a plate of [his]136-harry rock cakes . [Harry]136-harry was hungry enough even for [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's cooking , and took one at once . "[399-righ] [Hagrid]218-hagrid , " said [Hermione]194-hermione timidly , when [he]0-i joined [them]1953-they at the table and started peeling [his]136-harry potatoes with a brutality that [sug - gested]400-sug - gested that [each tuber]5434-each tuber had done [him]136-harry a great personal wrong , "[399-righ] [we]1955-we really wanted to carry on with Care of [Magical Creatures]401-magical creatures , [you]1956-you know . " [Hagrid]218-hagrid gave another great snort . [Harry]136-harry rather thought [some bo - geys]5435-some bo - geys landed on the potatoes , and was inwardly thankful that [they]1953-they were not staying for dinner . "[1955-we] [We]1955-we did ! " said [Hermione]194-hermione . "[1955-we] But none of [us]1955-we could fit it into [our]1955-we schedules ! " "[399-righ] Yeah . [Righ]399-righ ' , " said [Hagrid]218-hagrid again . There was a funny squelching sound and [they]1953-they all looked around : [Hermione]194-hermione let out a tiny shriek , and [Ron]217-ron leapt out of [his]217-ron seat and hurried around the table away from the large barrel standing in the corner that [they]1953-they had only just noticed . [It]5436-it was full of what looked like foot - long maggots , slimy , white , and writhing . "[399-righ] What are [they]1957-they , [Hagrid]218-hagrid ? " asked [Harry]136-harry , trying to sound interested rather than revolted , but putting down [his]136-harry rock cake all the same . "[218-hagrid] Jus ' giant grubs , " said [Hagrid]218-hagrid . "[218-hagrid] And [they]1957-they grow into ... ? " said [Ron]217-ron , looking apprehensive . "[1957-they] [They]1957-they won ' grow inter nuthin' , " said [Hagrid]218-hagrid . "[0-i] [I]0-i got 'em ter feed ter [Aragog]402-aragog . " And without warning , [he]0-i burst into tears . "[218-hagrid] [Hagrid]218-hagrid ! " cried [Hermione]194-hermione , leaping up , hurrying around the table the long way to avoid the barrel of maggots , and putting an arm around [his]0-i shaking shoulders . "[218-hagrid] What is it ? " "[1958-it] [It]1958-it 's . . . [him]1958-it . .. " gulped [Hagrid]218-hagrid , [his]0-i beetle - black eyes stream - ing as [he]0-i mopped [his]0-i face with [his]0-i apron . "[1958-it] It 's . . . [Aragog]402-aragog . ... [I]0-i think [he]402-aragog 's dyin ' . . , . [He]402-aragog got ill over the summer an ' [he]402-aragog 's not gettin ' better .... [I]0-i don ' know what [I]0-i 'll do if [he]402-aragog ... if [he]402-aragog ... [We]1959-we 've bin tergether so long . ... " [Hermione]194-hermione patted [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's shoulder , looking at a complete loss for anything to say . [Harry]136-harry knew how [she]194-hermione felt . [He]136-harry had known [Ha - grid]403-ha - grid to present a vicious baby dragon with a teddy bear , seen [him]403-ha - grid croon over giant scorpions with suckers and stingers , attempt to reason with [[his]403-ha - grid brutal giant of [a half - brother]5438-a half - brother]5437-his brutal giant of a half - brother , but this was perhaps the most incomprehensible of all [his]403-ha - grid monster fancies : the gigantic talking spider , [Aragog]402-aragog , who dwelled deep in [the Forbidden Forest]77-the forbidden forest and which [he]403-ha - grid and [Ron]217-ron had only narrowly escaped four years previously . "[1959-we] Is there — is there anything [we]1959-we can do ? " [Hermione]194-hermione asked , [ig]5439-ig - noring [Ron]217-ron 's frantic grimaces and head - shakings . "[0-i] [I]0-i don ' think there is , [Hermione]194-hermione , " choked [Hagrid]218-hagrid , attempting to stem the flood of [his]0-i tears . "[0-i] See , [the rest o ' [the tribe]1961-the tribe]1960-the rest o ' the tribe ... [[Aragog]402-aragog 's family]1962-aragog 's family . . . [they]1960-the rest o ' the tribe 're gettin ' a bit funny now [he]402-aragog 's ill ... bit restive ... " "[1960-the rest o ' the tribe] Yeah , [I]0-i think [we]1959-we saw a bit of that side of [them]1960-the rest o ' the tribe , " said [Ron]217-ron in an undertone . "[0-i] ... [I]0-i don ' reckon it 'd be safe fer anyone but [me]0-i ter go near [the colony at the mo ']1963-the colony at the mo ' , " [Hagrid]218-hagrid finished , blowing [his]0-i nose hard on [his]0-i apron and looking up . "[0-i] But thanks [fer]1964-fer offerin ' , [Hermione]194-hermione . ... It means a lot . . .. " After that , the atmosphere lightened considerably , for although neither [Harry]136-harry nor [Ron]217-ron had shown any inclination to go and feed giant grubs to a murderous , gargantuan spider , [Hagrid]218-hagrid seemed to take it for granted that [they]1965-yeh would have liked to have done and be - came [his]0-i usual self once more . "[0-i] Ar , [I]0-i always knew [yeh'd]1965-yeh find it hard ter squeeze [me]0-i inter [yer]1965-yeh timetables , " [he]0-i said gruffly , pouring [them]1965-yeh more tea . "[1965-yeh] Even if [yeh]1965-yeh applied fer Time - Turners — " "[1965-yeh] [We]1965-yeh could n't have done , " said [Hermione]194-hermione . "[1965-yeh] [We]1965-yeh smashed the en - tire stock of [Ministry Time - Turners]404-ministry time - turners when [we]1965-yeh were there last sum - mer . It was in [the Daily Prophet]1072-the daily prophet . " "[1965-yeh] Ar , well then , " said [Hagrid]218-hagrid . "[1965-yeh] There 's no way [yeh]1965-yeh could 've done it . ... [I]0-i 'm sorry [I]0-i 've bin — [yeh]1965-yeh know — [I]0-i 've jus ' bin worried about [Aragog]402-aragog ... an [I]0-i did wonder whether , if [Professor Grubbly - Plank]405-professor grubbly - plank had bin teachin ' [yeh]1965-yeh — " At which [all three of [them]1249-all three of them]1249-all three of them stated categorically and untruthfully that [Professor Grubbly - Plank]405-professor grubbly - plank , who had substituted for [Hagrid]218-hagrid a few times , was [a dreadful teacher]5441-a dreadful teacher , with the result that by the time [Hagrid]218-hagrid waved [them]1249-all three of them off [the premises]5442-the premises at dusk , [he]0-i looked quite cheerful . "[405-professor grubbly - plank] [I]0-i 'm starving , " said [Harry]136-harry , once the door had closed behind [them]1249-all three of them and [they]1249-all three of them were hurrying through [the dark and deserted grounds]5443-the dark and deserted grounds ; [he]0-i had abandoned the rock cake after an ominous crack - ing noise from one of [his]0-i back teeth . "[0-i] And [I]0-i 've got that detention with [Snape]221-snape tonight , [I]0-i have n't got much time for dinner . ... " As [they]1249-all three of them came into [the castle]4540-the castle [they]1249-all three of them spotted [Cormac McLaggen]302-mclaggen en - tering [the Great Hall]1520-the great hall . It took [him]302-mclaggen two attempts to get through the doors ; [he]302-mclaggen ricocheted off the frame on the first attempt . [Ron]217-ron merely guffawed gloatingly and strode off into [the Hall]4616-the hall after [him]302-mclaggen , but [Harry]136-harry caught [Hermione]194-hermione 's arm and held [her]194-hermione back . "[0-i] What ? " said [Hermione]194-hermione defensively . "[0-i] If [you]1967-you ask [me]0-i , " said [Harry]136-harry quietly , "[302-mclaggen] [McLaggen]302-mclaggen looks like [he]302-mclaggen was Confunded this morning . And [he]302-mclaggen was standing right in front of where [you]1967-you were sitting . " [Hermione]194-hermione blushed . "[302-mclaggen] Oh , all right then , [I]0-i did it , " [she]194-hermione whispered . "[0-i] But [you]1967-you should have heard the way [he]302-mclaggen was talking about [Ron]217-ron and [Ginny]236-ginny ! Any - way , [he]302-mclaggen 's got a nasty temper , [you]1967-you saw how [he]302-mclaggen reacted when [he]302-mclaggen did n't get in — [you]1967-you would n't have wanted [someone like that on the team]1968-someone like that on the team . " "[1967-you] No , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[1967-you] No , [I]0-i suppose that 's true . But was n't that dis - honest , [Hermione]194-hermione ? [I]0-i mean , [you]1967-you 're [a prefect]1444-a prefect , are n't [you]1967-you ? " "[1967-you] Oh , be quiet , " [she]194-hermione snapped , as [he]136-harry smirked . "[1967-you] What are [you]1970-they two doing ? " demanded [Ron]217-ron , reappearing in the doorway to [the Great Hall]1520-the great hall and looking suspicious . "[1970-they] Nothing , " said [Harry]136-harry and [Hermione]194-hermione together , and [they]1970-they hurried after [Ron]217-ron . The smell of roast beef made [Harry]136-harry 's stomach ache with hunger , but [they]1970-they had barely taken three steps toward the Gryffindor table when [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn appeared in front of [them]1970-they , blocking [their]1970-they path . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry , [Harry]136-harry , just [the man [I]0-i was hoping to see]1971-the man i was hoping to see ! " [he]0-i boomed ge - nially , twiddling the ends of [his]0-i walrus mustache and puffing out [his]0-i enormous belly , "[136-harry] [I]0-i was hoping to catch [you]136-harry before dinner ! What do [you]136-harry say to a spot of supper tonight in [[my]0-i rooms]1972-my rooms instead ? [We]1973-we 're having a little party , just a few rising stars , [I]0-i 've got [McLaggen]302-mclaggen com - ing and [Zabini]301-zabini , [the charming Melinda Bobbin]406-the charming melinda bobbin — [I]0-i do n't know whether [you]136-harry know [her]406-the charming melinda bobbin ? [[Her]406-the charming melinda bobbin family]1974-her family owns a large chain of apothe - caries — and , of course , [I]0-i hope very much that [Miss Granger]194-hermione will favor [me]0-i by coming too . " [Slughorn]216-slughorn made [Hermione]194-hermione a little bow as [he]216-slughorn finished speaking . It was as though [Ron]217-ron was not present ; [Slughorn]216-slughorn did not so much as look at [him]217-ron . "[0-i] [I]0-i ca n't come , [Professor]4626-professor , " said [Harry]136-harry at once . "[0-i] [I]0-i 've got a deten - tion with [Professor Snape]221-snape . " "[221-snape] Oh dear ! " said [Slughorn]216-slughorn , [his]216-slughorn face falling comically . "[221-snape] [Dear]4656-dear , [dear]4656-dear , [I]0-i was counting on [you]4656-dear , [Harry]136-harry ! Well , now , [I]0-i 'll just have to have a word with [Severus]156-snape and explain the situation . [I]0-i 'm sure [I]0-i 'll be able to per - suade [him]156-snape to postpone [your]4656-dear detention . Yes , [I]0-i 'll see [you]4656-dear both later ! " [He]0-i bustled away out of [the Hall]4616-the hall . "[156-snape] [He]156-snape 's got no chance of persuading [Snape]221-snape , " said [Harry]136-harry , [the mo - ment Slughorn]5449-the mo - ment slughorn was out of earshot . "[156-snape] This detentions already been postponed once ; [Snape]221-snape did it for [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , but [he]221-snape wo n't do it for [anyone else]1540-anyone else . " "[221-snape] Oh , [I]0-i wish [you]136-harry could come , [I]0-i do n't want to go on [my]0-i own ! " said [Hermione]194-hermione anxiously ; [Harry]136-harry knew that [she]194-hermione was thinking about [McLaggen]302-mclaggen . "[221-snape] [I]0-i doubt [you]136-harry 'll be alone , [Ginny'll]407-ginny'll probably be invited , " snapped [Ron]217-ron , who did not seem to have taken kindly to being ignored by [Slughorn]216-slughorn . After dinner [they]5450-they made [their]5450-they way back to [Gryffindor Tower]78-gryffindor tower . [The common room]1602-the common room was very crowded , as [most people]4725-most people had finished dinner by now , but [they]5450-they managed to find a free table and sat down ; [Ron]217-ron , who had been in a bad mood ever since the encounter with [Slughorn]216-slughorn , folded [his]217-ron arms and frowned at the ceiling . [Hermione]194-hermione reached out for a copy of the Evening Prophet , which [somebody]1513-somebody had left abandoned on a chair . "[407-ginny'll] Anything new ? " said [Harry]136-harry . "[407-ginny'll] Not really . . . " [Hermione]194-hermione had opened the newspaper and was scanning the inside pages . "[407-ginny'll] Oh , look , [[your]136-harry dad]4814-your dad 's in here , [Ron]217-ron — [he]4814-your dad 's all right ! " [she]194-hermione added quickly , for [Ron]217-ron had looked around in alarm . "[4814-your dad] It just says [he]4814-your dad 's been to visit [[the Malfoys]266-the malfoys ' house]1980-the malfoys ' house . ' This sec - ond search of [the Death Eaters residence]1981-the death eaters residence does not seem to have yielded any results . [Arthur Weasley]222-arthur of [the Office for the Detection and Confis - cation of]79-the office for the detection and confis - cation of Counterfeit Defensive Spells and Protective Objects said that [[his]222-arthur team]1982-his team had been acting upon a confidential tip - off . ' " "[1983-mine] Yeah , [mine]1983-mine ! " said [Harry]136-harry . "[0-i] [I]0-i told [him]222-arthur at [Kings Cross]80-kings cross about [Malfoy]170-malfoy and that thing [he]222-arthur was trying to get [Borgin]280-borgin to fix ! Well , if it 's not at [[their]266-the malfoys house]1984-their house , [he]222-arthur must have brought whatever it is to [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts with [him]222-arthur — " "[222-arthur] But how can [he]222-arthur have done , [Harry]136-harry ? " said [Hermione]194-hermione , putting down the newspaper with a surprised look . "[136-harry] [We]1985-we were all searched when [we]1985-we arrived , were n't [we]1985-we ? " "[1986-you] Were [you]1986-you ? " said [Harry]136-harry , taken aback . "[1986-you] [I]0-i was n't ! " "[0-i] Oh no , of course [you]136-harry were n't , [I]0-i forgot [you]136-harry were late . . .. Well , [Filch]327-filch ran over all of [us]1985-we with Secrecy Sensors when [we]1985-we got into [the entrance hall]5133-the entrance hall . Any Dark object would have been found , [I]0-i know for a fact [Crabbe]313-crabbe had a shrunken head confiscated . So [you]136-harry see , [Malfoy]170-malfoy ca n't have brought in anything dangerous ! " Momentarily stymied , [Harry]136-harry watched [Ginny Weasley]236-ginny playing with [Arnold the Pygmy Puff]287-arnold for a while before seeing a way around this objection . "[5066-someone] [Someone]5066-someone 's sent it to [him]170-malfoy by owl , then , " [he]136-harry said . "[5066-someone] [[His]170-malfoy mother]1264-his mother or [someone]5066-someone . " "[5066-someone] All the owls are being checked too , " said [Hermione]194-hermione . "[327-filch] [Filch]327-filch told [us]1985-we so when [he]327-filch was jabbing those Secrecy Sensors everywhere [he]327-filch could reach . " Really stumped this time , [Harry]136-harry found nothing else to say . There did not seem to be any way [Malfoy]170-malfoy could have brought a dangerous or Dark object into [the school]1525-the school . [He]136-harry looked hopefully at [Ron]217-ron , who was sitting with [his]217-ron arms folded , staring over at [Lavender Brown]343-lavender . "[327-filch] Can [you]1991-you think of any way [Malfoy]170-malfoy — ? " "[170-malfoy] Oh , drop it , [Harry]136-harry , " said [Ron]217-ron . "[136-harry] Listen , it 's not [my]0-i fault [Slughorn]216-slughorn invited [Hermione]194-hermione and [me]0-i to [his]216-slughorn stupid party , neither of [us]1985-we wanted to go , [you]1991-you know ! " said [Harry]136-harry , firing up . "[1991-you] Well , as [I]0-i 'm not invited to any parties , " said [Ron]217-ron , getting to [his]217-ron feet again , "[0-i] [I]0-i think [I]0-i 'll go to bed . " [He]217-ron stomped off toward the door to [[the boys]1179-the boys ' dormitories]5456-the boys ' dormitories , leav - ing [Harry]136-harry and [Hermione]194-hermione staring after [him]217-ron . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry ? " said [the new Chaser]5457-the new chaser , [Demelza Robins]392-demelza , appearing suddenly at [his]136-harry shoulder . "[136-harry] [I]0-i 've got a message for [you]136-harry . " "[0-i] From [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn ? " asked [Harry]136-harry , sitting up hopefully . "[216-slughorn] No .. . from [Professor Snape]221-snape , " said [Demelza]392-demelza . [Harry]136-harry 's heart sank . "[221-snape] [He]221-snape says [you]136-harry 're to come to [[his]221-snape office]652-his office at half past eight tonight to do [your]136-harry detention — er — no matter how many party invita - tions [you]136-harry 've received . And [he]221-snape wanted [you]136-harry to know [you]136-harry 'll be sorting out rotten flobberworms from good ones , to use in Potions and — and [he]221-snape says there 's no need to bring protective gloves . " "[221-snape] Right , " said [Harry]136-harry grimly . "[221-snape] Thanks a lot , [Demelza]392-demelza . "[392-demelza] Chapter 12 : Silver and opals Where was [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , and what was [he]146-dumbledore doing ? [Harry]136-harry caught sight of [the headmaster]1054-the headmaster only twice over the next lew weeks . [He]136-harry rarely appeared at meals anymore , and [Harry]136-harry was sure [Hermione]194-hermione was right in thinking that [he]136-harry was leaving [the school]1525-the school for days at a time . Had [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore forgotten the lessons [he]146-dumbledore was supposed to be giving [Harry]136-harry ? [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had said that the lessons were leading to something to do with the prophecy ; [Harry]136-harry had felt bolstered , comforted , and now [he]136-harry felt slightly abandoned . Halfway through October came [their]1995-their first trip of the term to [Hogsmeade]61-hogsmeade . [Harry]136-harry had wondered whether these trips would still be allowed , given the increasingly tight security measures around [the school]1525-the school , but was pleased to know that they were going ahead ; it was always good to get out of [the castle grounds]1997-the castle grounds for a few hours . [Harry]136-harry woke early on the morning of the trip , which was proving stormy , and whiled away the time until breakfast by reading [his]136-harry copy of Advanced Potion - Making . [He]136-harry did not usually lie in bed reading [his]136-harry textbooks ; that sort of behavior , as [Ron]217-ron rightly said , was indecent in anybody except [Hermione]194-hermione , who was simply weird that way . [Harry]136-harry felt , however , that the Half - Blood Princes copy of Advanced Potion - Making hardly qualified as a textbook . The more [Harry]136-harry pored over the book , the more [he]136-harry realized how much was in there , not only the handy hints and shortcuts on potions that was earning [him]136-harry such a glowing reputation with [Slughorn]216-slughorn , but also the imaginative little jinxes and hexes scribbled in the margins , which [Harry]136-harry was sure , judging by the crossings - out and revisions , that [the Prince]1725-the prince had invented [himself]1725-the prince . [Harry]136-harry had already attempted a few of [the Prince]1725-the prince 's self - invented spells . There had been a hex that caused toenails to grow alarmingly fast ( [he]136-harry had tried this on [Crabbe]313-crabbe in [the corridor]4994-the corridor , with very entertaining results ) ; a jinx that glued the tongue to the roof of the mouth ( which [he]136-harry had twice used , to general applause , on an unsuspecting Argus Filch ) ; and , perhaps most useful of all , Muffliato , a spell that filled the ears of [anyone nearby]2001-anyone nearby with an unidentifiable buzzing , so that lengthy conversations could be held in class with out being overheard . [The only person who did not find these charms]2002-the only person who did not find these charms amusing was [Hermione]194-hermione , who maintained a rigidly disapproving expression throughout and refused to talk at all if [Harry]136-harry had used the Muffliato spell on [anyone in the vicinity]2003-anyone in the vicinity . Sitting up in bed , [Harry]136-harry turned the book sideways so as to examine more closely the scribbled instructions for a spell that seemed to have caused [the Prince]1725-the prince some trouble . There were many crossings - out and alterations , but finally , crammed into a corner of the page , the scribble : Levicorpus ( nvbl ) While the wind and sleet pounded relentlessly on the windows , and [Neville]174-neville snored loudly , [Harry]136-harry stared at the letters in brackets . Nvbl . . that had to mean " nonverbal . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry rather doubted [he]136-harry would be able to bring off this particular spell ; [he]136-harry was still having difficulty with nonverbal spells , something [Snape]221-snape had been quick to comment on in every D.A.D.A. class . On the other hand , [the Prince]1725-the prince had proved [a much more effective teacher]2006-a much more effective teacher than [Snape]221-snape so far . Pointing [his]136-harry wand at nothing in particular , [he]136-harry gave it an upward flick and said Levicorpus ! inside [his]136-harry head . " Aaaaaaaargh ! "[136-harry] There was a flash of light and [the room]685-the room was full of voices : [Everyone]4750-everyone had woken up as [Ron]217-ron had let out a yell . [Harry]136-harry sent Advanced Potion - Making flying in panic ; [Ron]217-ron was dangling upside down in midair as though an invisible hook had hoisted [him]217-ron up by the ankle . " Sorry ! "[136-harry] yelled [Harry]136-harry , as [Dean]261-dean and [Seamus]330-seamus roared with laughter , and [Neville]174-neville picked [himself]174-neville up from the floor , having fallen out of Bed . " Hang on — [I]136-harry 'll let [you]174-neville down — "[136-harry] [He]136-harry groped for the potion book and riffled through it in a panic , trying to find the right page ; at last [he]136-harry located it and deciphered the cramped word underneath the spell : Praying that this was the counter - jinx , [Harry]136-harry thought Liberacorpus ! with all [his]136-harry might . There was another flash of light , and [Ron]217-ron fell in a heap onto [his]217-ron mattress . " Sorry , "[136-harry] repeated [Harry]136-harry weakly , while [Dean]261-dean and [Seamus]330-seamus continued to roar with laughter . " Tomorrow , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron in a muffled voice , " [I]217-ron 'd rather [you]136-harry set the alarm clock . "[217-ron] By the time [they]2009-they had got dressed , padding [themselves]2009-they out with several of [Mrs. Weasleys]219-the weasleys hand - knitted sweaters and carrying , cloaks , scarves , and gloves , [Ron]217-ron 's shock had subsided and [he]217-ron had decided that [Harry]136-harry 's new spell was highly amusing ; so amusing , in fact , that [he]217-ron lost no time in regaling [Hermione]194-hermione with the story as [they]2009-they sat down for breakfast . " ... and then there was another flash , of light and [I]217-ron landed on the bed again ! "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron grinned , helping [himself]217-ron to sausages . [Hermione]194-hermione had not cracked a smile during this anecdote , and now turned an expression of wintry disapproval upon [Harry]136-harry . " Was this spell , by any chance , another one from that potion book of yours ? "[194-hermione] [she]194-hermione asked . [Harry]136-harry frowned at [her]194-hermione . " Always jump to the worst conclusion , do n't [you]194-hermione ? "[136-harry] " Was it ? "[194-hermione] " Well . . . yeah , it was , but so what ? "[136-harry] " So [you]194-hermione just decided to try out an unknown , handwritten in - cantation and see what would happen ? "[136-harry] " Why does it matter if it 's handwritten ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , preferring not to answer the rest of the question . " Because its probably not [Ministry of Magic]5458-ministry of magic approved , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione . " And also , "[194-hermione] [she]194-hermione added , as [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron rolled [their]2009-they eyes , " because [I]194-hermione 'm starting to think [this Prince character]5459-this prince character was a bit dodgy . "[194-hermione] Both [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron shouted [her]194-hermione down at once . " It was a laugh ! "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , upending a ketchup bottle over [his]217-ron sausages . " Just a laugh , [Hermione]194-hermione , that 's all ! "[217-ron] " Dangling [people]681-people upside down by the ankle ? "[1925-hermi - one] said [Hermi - one]1925-hermi - one . " Who puts [their]681-people time and energy into making up spells like that ? "[1925-hermi - one] " [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , shrugging , " it 's [their]681-people kind of thing . And , er — "[217-ron] " [[My]136-harry dad]5008-my dad , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . [He]136-harry had only just remembered . " What ? "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione together . " [[My]136-harry dad]5008-my dad used this spell , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [I]136-harry — [Lupin]227-lupin told [me]136-harry . "[136-harry] ' This last part was not true ; in fact , [Harry]136-harry had seen [[his]136-harry father]904-his father use the spell on [Snape]221-snape , but [he]136-harry had never told [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione about that particular excursion into [the Pensieve]65-the pensieve . Now , however , a won - derful possibility occurred to [him]136-harry . Could [the Half - Blood Prince]649-the half - blood prince possibly be — ? " Maybe [[your]136-harry dad]4814-your dad did use it , [Harry]136-harry , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , " but [he]4814-your dad 's not [the only one]5464-the only one . [We]5465-we 've seen [a whole bunch of [people]681-people]5466-a whole bunch of people use it , in case [you]136-harry 've forgotten . Dangling people in the air . Making [them]5466-a whole bunch of people float along , asleep , helpless . "[194-hermione] [Harry]136-harry stared at [her]194-hermione . With a sinking feeling , [he]136-harry too remembered the behavior of [the Death Eaters]4511-the death eaters at [the Quidditch World Cup]81-the quidditch world cup . [Ron]217-ron came to [his]136-harry aid . " That was different , "[217-ron] [he]217-ron said robustly . " [They]4511-the death eaters were abusing it . [Harry]136-harry and [[his]136-harry dad]5468-his dad were just having a laugh . [You]194-hermione do n't like [the Prince]1725-the prince , [Hermione]194-hermione , "[217-ron] [he]217-ron added , pointing a sausage at [her]194-hermione sternly , " because [he]1725-the prince 's better than [you]194-hermione at Potions — "[217-ron] " It 's got nothing to do with that ! "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , [her]194-hermione cheeks reddening . " [I]194-hermione just think it 's very irresponsible to start performing spells when [you]194-hermione do n't even know what they 're for , and stop talking about ' [the Prince]1725-the prince ' as if it 's [his]5468-his dad title , [I]194-hermione bet it 's just a stupid nickname , and it does n't seem as though [he]5468-his dad was [a very nice person to [me]194-hermione]5471-a very nice person to me ! "[194-hermione] " [I]136-harry do n't see where [you]194-hermione get that from , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry heatedly . " If [he]5468-his dad 'd been [a budding Death Eater]5472-a budding death eater [he]5468-his dad would n't have been boasting about being ' half - blood , ' would [he]5468-his dad ? "[136-harry] Even as [he]136-harry said it , [Harry]136-harry remembered that [[his]136-harry father]904-his father had been pure - blood , but [he]136-harry pushed the thought out of [his]136-harry mind ; [he]136-harry would worry about that later . . . . " [The Death Eaters]4511-the death eaters ca n't all be pure - blood , there are n't enough [pure - blood wizards]5474-pure - blood wizards left , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione stubbornly . " [I]194-hermione expect [most of [them]4511-the death eaters]5475-most of them are [half - bloods pretending to be pure]5476-half - bloods pretending to be pure . It 's only [Muggle - borns [they]4511-the death eaters hate]5477-muggle - borns they hate , [they]4511-the death eaters 'd be quite happy to let [you]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron join up . "[194-hermione] " There is no way [they]4511-the death eaters 'd let [me]217-ron be [a Death Eater]4651-a death eater ! "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron in - dignantly , a bit of sausage flying off the fork [he]217-ron was now brandish - ing at [Hermione]194-hermione and hitting [Ernie Macmillan]353-ernie on the head . " [[My]353-ernie whole family]5479-my whole family are [blood traitors]5480-blood traitors ! That 's as bad as [Muggle - borns]5481-muggle - borns to [Death Eaters]198-the death eaters ! "[353-ernie] " And [they]4511-the death eaters 'd love to have [me]136-harry , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry sarcastically . " [We]5482-we 'd be [best pals]5483-best pals if [they]4511-the death eaters did n't keep trying to do [me]136-harry in . "[136-harry] This made [Ron]217-ron laugh ; even [Hermione]194-hermione gave a grudging smile , and a distraction arrived in the shape of [Ginny]236-ginny . " Hey , [Harry]136-harry , [I]236-ginny 'm supposed to give [you]217-ron this . "[236-ginny] It was a scroll of parchment with [Harry]136-harry 's name written upon it in familiar thin , slanting writing . " Thanks , [Ginny]236-ginny . . . It 's [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's next lesson ! "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry told [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione , pulling open the parchment and quickly read - ing its contents . " Monday evening ! "[217-ron] [He]217-ron felt suddenly light and happy . " Want to join [us]2015-they in [Hogsmeade]61-hogsmeade , [Ginny]236-ginny ? "[217-ron] [he]217-ron asked . " [I]194-hermione 'm going with [Dean]261-dean — might see [you]2015-they there , "[194-hermione] [she]194-hermione replied , wav - ing at [them]2015-they as [she]194-hermione left . [Filch]327-filch was standing at the oak front doors as usual , checking off the names of [people who had permission to go into]2016-people who had permission to go into [Hogsmeade]61-hogsmeade . The process took even longer than normal as [Filch]327-filch was triple - checking [everybody]4716-everybody with [his]327-filch Secrecy Sensor . " What does it matter if [we]2015-they 're smuggling Dark stuff OUT ? "[217-ron] de - manded [Ron]217-ron , eyeing the long thin Secrecy Sensor with apprehen - sion . " Surely [you]217-ron ought to be checking what [we]2015-they bring back IN ? "[217-ron] [His]217-ron cheek earned [him]217-ron a few extra jabs with the Sensor , and [he]217-ron was still wincing as [they]2015-they stepped out into the wind and sleet . The walk into [Hogsmeade]61-hogsmeade was not enjoyable . [Harry]136-harry wrapped [his]136-harry scarf over [his]136-harry lower face ; the exposed part soon felt both raw and numb . [The road to [the village]1756-the village]2018-the road to the village was full of [students bent double against the bitter wind]2020-students bent double against the bitter wind . More than once [Harry]136-harry wondered whether [they]2015-they might not have had a better time in [the warm common room]2021-the warm common room , and when [they]2015-they finally reached [Hogsmeade]61-hogsmeade and saw that [[Zonko]408-zonko 's [Joke Shop]83-joke shop]2022-zonko 's joke shop had been boarded up , [Harry]136-harry took it as confirmation that this trip was not destined to be fun . [Ron]217-ron pointed , with a thickly gloved hand , toward [Honeydukes]210-honeydukes , which was mercifully open , and [Harry]136-harry and [Hermione]194-hermione staggered in [his]136-harry wake into [the crowded shop]2023-the crowded shop . " Thank [God]409-god , "[217-ron] shivered [Ron]217-ron as [they]2015-they were enveloped by warm , toffee - scented air . " Let 's stay [here]4439-here all afternoon . "[217-ron] " [Harry]136-harry , [m'boy]5032-m'boy ! "[217-ron] said a booming voice from behind [them]2015-they . " Oh no , "[136-harry] muttered [Harry]136-harry . [The three of [them]2015-they]1233-the three of them turned to see [Pro - fessor [Slughorn]216-slughorn , who was wearing an enormous furry hat and an overcoat with matching fur collar , clutching a large bag of crystalized pineapple , and occupying at least a quarter of [the shop]4807-the shop]2025-pro - fessor slughorn , who was wearing an enormous furry hat and an overcoat with matching fur collar , clutching a large bag of crystalized pineapple , and occupying at least a quarter of the shop . " [Harry]136-harry , that 's three of [my]216-slughorn little suppers [you]136-harry 've missed now ! "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn , poking [him]136-harry genially in the chest . " It wo n't do , [m'boy]5032-m'boy , [I]216-slughorn 'm determined to have [you]136-harry ! [Miss Granger]194-hermione loves [them]5487-them , do n't [you]136-harry ? "[216-slughorn] " Yes , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione helplessly , " [they]5487-them 're really — "[194-hermione] " So why do n't [you]136-harry come along , [Harry]136-harry ? "[216-slughorn] demanded [Slughorn]216-slughorn . " Well , [I]136-harry 've had Quidditch practice , [Professor]4626-professor , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , who had indeed been scheduling practices every time [Slughorn]216-slughorn had sent [him]136-harry a little , violet ribbon - adorned invitation . This strategy meant that [Ron]217-ron was not left out , and [they]2027-they usually had a laugh with [Ginny]236-ginny , imagining [Hermione]194-hermione shut up with [McLaggen]302-mclaggen and [Zabini]301-zabini . " Well , [I]216-slughorn certainly expect [you]136-harry to win [your]136-harry first match after all the , hard work ! "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn . " But a little recreation never hurt any body . Now , how about Monday night , [you]136-harry ca n't possibly want to practice in this weather .... "[216-slughorn] " [I]136-harry ca n't , [Professor]4626-professor , [I]136-harry 've got — er — an appointment with [Profes - sor Dumbledore]5490-profes - sor dumbledore that evening . "[136-harry] " Unlucky again ! "[216-slughorn] cried [Slughorn]216-slughorn dramatically . " Ah , well . . . [you]136-harry ca n't evade [me]216-slughorn forever , [Harry]136-harry ! "[216-slughorn] And with a regal wave , [he]136-harry waddled out of [the shop]4807-the shop , taking as lit - tle notice of [Ron]217-ron as though [he]217-ron had been a display of Cockroach Clusters . " [I]194-hermione ca n't believe [you]217-ron 've wriggled out of another one , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , shaking [her]194-hermione head . " They 're not that bad , [you]217-ron know . . . They 're even quite fun sometimes . . . . "[194-hermione] But then [she]194-hermione caught sight of [Ron]217-ron 's expression . " Oh , look — [they]5491-they 've got deluxe sugar quills — those would last hours ! "[217-ron] Glad that [Hermione]194-hermione had changed the subject , [Harry]136-harry showed much more interest in the new extra - large sugar quills than [he]136-harry would normally have done , but [Ron]217-ron continued to look moody and merely shrugged when [Hermione]194-hermione asked [him]217-ron where [he]217-ron wanted to go next . " Let 's go to [the Three Broomsticks]84-the three broomsticks , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " It 'll be warm . "[136-harry] [They]2029-their bundled [their]2029-their scarves back over [their]2029-their faces and left [the sweetshop]2030-the sweetshop . The bitter wind was like knives on [their]2029-their faces after the sugary warmth of Honeydukes . [The street]1076-the street was not very busy ; [no- body]2032-no- body was lingering to chat , just hurrying toward [their]2029-their destinations . [The exceptions]2033-the exceptions were [two men a little ahead of [them]2029-their]2034-two men a little ahead of them , standing just outside the Three Broomsticks . One was very tall and thin ; squinting through [his]217-ron rain - washed glasses [Harry]136-harry recognized [the barman who worked in [the other Hogsmeade pub]2036-the other hogsmeade pub]2035-the barman who worked in the other hogsmeade pub , [the Hog 's Head]2037-the hog 's head . As [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , and [Hermione]194-hermione drew closer , [the barman]2038-the barman drew [his]2038-the barman cloak more tightly around [his]2038-the barman neck and walked away , leaving [the shorter man]2039-the shorter man to fumble with something in [his]2038-the barman arms . [They]2029-their were barely feet from [him]2038-the barman when [Harry]136-harry realized who [the man]874-the man was . " [Mundungus]231-mundungus hotelier ! "[136-harry] [The squat , bandy - legged man with long , straggly , ginger hair]2041-the squat , bandy - legged man with long , straggly , ginger hair jumped and dropped an ancient suitcase , which burst open , releas - ing what looked like the entire contents of a junk shop window . " Oh , ' ello , ' [Arry]237-arry , "[410-mundungus] said [Mundungus Fletcher]410-mundungus , with a most un - convincing stab at airiness . " Well , do n't let [me]2041-the squat , bandy - legged man with long , straggly , ginger hair keep [ya]231-mundungus hotelier . "[2041-the squat , bandy - legged man with long , straggly , ginger hair] And [he]2041-the squat , bandy - legged man with long , straggly , ginger hair began scrabbling on the ground to retrieve the contents of [his]2041-the squat , bandy - legged man with long , straggly , ginger hair suitcase with every appearance of [a man eager to be gone]2042-a man eager to be gone . " Are [you]2041-the squat , bandy - legged man with long , straggly , ginger hair selling this stuff ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry , watching [Mundungus]410-mundungus grab an assortment of grubby - looking objects from the ground . " Oh , well , got ta scrape a living , "[410-mundungus] said [Mundungus]410-mundungus . " Gimme that ! "[410-mundungus] [Ron]217-ron had stooped down and picked up something silver . " Hang on , "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron said slowly . " This looks familiar — "[217-ron] " Thank [you]136-harry ! "[410-mundungus] said [Mundungus]410-mundungus , snatching the goblet out of [Ron]217-ron 's hand and stuffing it back into the case . " Well , [I]136-harry 'll see [you]410-mundungus all _ OUCH ! "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry had pinned [Mundungus]410-mundungus against the wall of [the pub]2043-the pub by the throat . Holding [him]410-mundungus fast with one hand , [he]136-harry pulled out [his]136-harry wand . " [Harry]136-harry ! "[194-hermione] squealed [Hermione]194-hermione . " [You]410-mundungus rook that from [[Sinus]411-sinus 's house]5492-sinus 's house , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , who was almost nose to nose with [Mundungus]410-mundungus and was breathing in an unpleasant smell of old tobacco and spirits . " That had the Black family crest on it . "[136-harry] " [I]410-mundungus — no — what — ? "[410-mundungus] spluttered [Mundungus]410-mundungus , who was slowly turning purple . " What did [you]410-mundungus do , go back the night [he]410-mundungus died and strip [the place]4424-the place ? "[136-harry] snarled [Harry]136-harry . " [I]136-harry — no — "[136-harry] " Give it to [me]194-hermione ! "[194-hermione] " [Harry]136-harry , [you]136-harry must n't ! "[194-hermione] shrieked [Hermione]194-hermione , as [Mundungus]410-mundungus started to turn blue . There was a bang , and [Harry]136-harry felt [his]136-harry hands fly off [Mundungus]410-mundungus 's throat . Gasping and spluttering , [Mundungus]410-mundungus seized [his]410-mundungus fallen case , then — CRACK — [he]410-mundungus Disapparated . [Harry]136-harry swore at the top of [his]136-harry voice , spinning on the spot to see where [Mundungus]410-mundungus had gone . " COME BACK , [YOU]410-mundungus THIEVING — ! "[136-harry] " There 's no point , [Harry]136-harry . "[226-tonks] [Tonks]226-tonks had appeared out of nowhere , [her]226-tonks mousy hair wet with sleet . " [Mundungus]410-mundungus will probably be in [London]60-london by now . There 's no point yelling . "[226-tonks] " [He]410-mundungus 's nicked [Sirius]144-sirius 's stuff ! Nicked it ! "[136-harry] " Yes , but still , "[226-tonks] said [Tonks]226-tonks , who seemed perfectly untroubled by this piece of information . " [You]136-harry should get out of the cold . "[226-tonks] [She]226-tonks watched [them]2044-them go through the door of [the Three Broom - sticks]2045-the three broom - sticks . The moment [he]2046-he was inside , [Harry]136-harry burst out , " [He]410-mundungus was nicking [Sirius]144-sirius 's stuff ! "[136-harry] " [I]194-hermione know , [Harry]136-harry , but please do n't shout , [people]681-people are staring , "[194-hermione] whis - pered [Hermione]194-hermione . " Go and sit down , [I]194-hermione 'll get [you]136-harry a drink . "[194-hermione] [Harry]136-harry was still fuming when [Hermione]194-hermione returned to [their]2044-them table a few minutes later holding three bottles of butterbeer . " Ca n't the Order control [Mundungus]410-mundungus ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry demanded of [the other two]1385-the other two in a furious whisper . " Ca n't [they]681-people at least stop [him]410-mundungus steal - ing everything that 's not fixed down when [he]410-mundungus 's at [headquarters]996-headquarters ? "[136-harry] " Shh ! "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione desperately , looking around to make sure [nobody]687-nobody was listening ; there were a couple of warlocks sitting close by who were staring at [Harry]136-harry with great interest , and [Zabini]301-zabini was lolling against a pillar not far away . " [Harry]136-harry , [I]301-zabini 'd be annoyed too , [I]301-zabini know it 's [your]136-harry things [he]410-mundungus 's stealing — "[301-zabini] [Harry]136-harry gagged on [his]136-harry butterbeer ; [he]136-harry had momentarily forgotten that [he]136-harry owned number twelve , [Grimmauld Place]23-grimmauld place . " Yeah , it 's [my]136-harry stuff ! "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said . " No wonder [he]410-mundungus was n't pleased to see [me]136-harry ! Well , [I]136-harry 'm going to tell [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore what 's going on , [he]410-mundungus 's [the only one who scares [Mundungus]410-mundungus]5496-the only one who scares mundungus . "[136-harry] " Good idea , "[194-hermione] whispered [Hermione]194-hermione , clearly pleased that [Harry]136-harry was calming down . " [Ron]217-ron , what are [you]217-ron staring at ? "[136-harry] " Nothing , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , hastily looking away from the bar , but [Harry]136-harry knew [he]136-harry was trying to catch the eye of [the curvy and attractive bar - maid]2049-the curvy and attractive bar - maid , [Madam Rosmerta]184-rosmerta , for whom [he]136-harry had long nursed a soft spot . " [I]194-hermione expect ' nothing 's ' in the back getting more firewhisky , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione waspishly . [Ron]217-ron ignored this jibe , sipping [his]217-ron drink in what [he]217-ron evidently considered to be a dignified silence . [Harry]136-harry was thinking about [Sirius]144-sirius , and how [he]136-harry had hated those silver goblets anyway . [Hermione]194-hermione drummed [her]194-hermione fingers on the table , [her]194-hermione eyes flickering between [Ron]217-ron and [the bar]1289-the bar . The moment [Harry]136-harry drained the last drops in [his]136-harry bot - tle [she]194-hermione said , " Shall [we]1385-the other two call it a day and go back to [school]4622-school , then ? "[194-hermione] [The other two]1385-the other two nodded ; it had not been a fun trip and the weather was getting worse the longer [they]1385-the other two stayed . Once again [they]1385-the other two drew [their]1385-the other two cloaks tightly around [them]1385-the other two , rearranged [their]1385-the other two scarves , pulled on [their]1385-the other two gloves , then followed [Katie Bell]153-katie and [a friend]4731-a friend out of [the pub]2043-the pub and back up [the High Street]2054-the high street . [Harry]136-harry 's thoughts strayed to [Ginny]236-ginny as [they]1385-the other two trudged up [the road]851-the road to [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts through [the frozen slush]2056-the frozen slush . [They]1385-the other two had not met up with [her]236-ginny , undoubtedly , thought [Harry]136-harry , because [she]236-ginny and [Dean]261-dean were cozily closeted in [Madam Puddifoot 's Tea Shop]85-madam puddifoot 's tea shop , [that haunt of [happy couples]2058-happy couples]2057-that haunt of happy couples . Scowling , [he]136-harry bowed [his]136-harry head against the swirling sleet and trudged on . It was a little while before [Harry]136-harry became aware that the voices of [Katie Bell]153-katie and [[her]153-katie friend]1457-her friend , which were being carried back to [him]136-harry on the wind , had become shriller and louder . [Harry]136-harry squinted at [their]1385-the other two indistinct figures . [The two girls]2060-the two girls were having an argument about something [Katie]153-katie was holding in [her]153-katie hand . " It 's nothing to do with [you]136-harry , [Leanne]412-leanne ! "[153-katie] [Harry]136-harry heard [Katie]153-katie say . [They]1385-the other two rounded a corner in [the lane]1745-the lane , sleet coming thick and fast , blurring [Harry]136-harry 's glasses . Just as [he]136-harry raised a gloved hand to wipe them , [Leanne]412-leanne made to grab hold of the package [Katie]153-katie was holding ; [Katie]153-katie tugged it back and the package fell to the ground . At once , [Katie]153-katie rose into the air , not as [Ron]217-ron had done , suspended comically by the ankle , but gracefully , [her]153-katie arms outstretched , as though [she]153-katie was about to fly . Yet there was something wrong , some - thing eerie . . . . [Her]153-katie hair was whipped around [her]153-katie by the fierce wind , but [her]153-katie eyes were closed and [her]153-katie face was quite empty of expression . [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , [Hermione]194-hermione , and [Leanne]412-leanne had all halted in [their]1385-the other two tracks , watching . Then , six feet above the ground , [Katie]153-katie let out a terrible scream . [Her]153-katie eyes flew open but whatever [she]153-katie could see , or whatever [she]153-katie was feeling , was clearly causing [her]153-katie terrible anguish . [She]153-katie screamed and screamed ; [Leanne]412-leanne started to scream too and seized [Katie]153-katie 's ankles , trying to tug [her]153-katie back to the ground . [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , and [Hermione]194-hermione rushed forward to help , but even as [they]1385-the other two grabbed [Katie]153-katie 's legs , [she]153-katie fell on top of [them]1385-the other two ; [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron managed to catch [her]153-katie but [she]153-katie was writhing so much [they]1385-the other two could hardly hold [her]153-katie . Instead [they]1385-the other two low - ered [her]153-katie to the ground where [she]153-katie thrashed and screamed , appar - ently unable to recognize any of [them]1385-the other two . [Harry]136-harry looked around ; [the landscape]2062-the landscape seemed deserted . " Stay there ! "[136-harry] [he]136-harry shouted at [the others]4977-the others over the howling wind . " [I]136-harry 'm going for help ! "[136-harry] [He]136-harry began to sprint toward [the school]1525-the school ; [he]136-harry had never seen [anyone]660-anyone behave as [Katie]153-katie had just behaved and could not think what had caused it ; [he]136-harry hurtled around a bend in [the lane]1745-the lane and collided with what seemed to be an enormous bear on its hind legs . " [Hagrid]218-hagrid ! "[136-harry] [he]136-harry panted , disentangling [himself]136-harry from the hedgerow into which [he]136-harry had fallen . " [Harry]136-harry ! "[218-hagrid] said [Hagrid]218-hagrid , who had sleet trapped in [his]136-harry eyebrows and beard , and was wearing [his]136-harry great , shaggy beaverskin coat . " Jus ' bin visitin ' [Grawp]338-grawp , [he]338-grawp 's comin ' on so well [yeh]136-harry wouldn ' — "[136-harry] " [Hagrid]218-hagrid , [someone]5066-someone 's hurt back there , or cursed , or something — "[218-hagrid] " Wha ? "[218-hagrid] said [Hagrid]218-hagrid , bending lower to hear what [Harry]136-harry was say - ing over the raging wind . " [Someone]5066-someone 's been cursed ! "[136-harry] bellowed [Harry]136-harry . : , . ' " Cursed ? Who 's bin cursed — not [Ron]217-ron ? [Hermione]194-hermione ? "[218-hagrid] : " No , it 's not [them]5066-someone , it 's [Katie Bell]153-katie — this way . . . "[218-hagrid] Together [they]2067-they ran back along [the lane]1745-the lane . It took [them]2067-they no time to find [the little group of people around [Katie]153-katie , who was still writhing and screaming on the ground]2069-the little group of people around katie , who was still writhing and screaming on the ground ; [Ron]217-ron , [Hermione]194-hermione , and [Leanne]412-leanne were all trying to quiet [her]153-katie . " Get back ! "[218-hagrid] shouted [Hagrid]218-hagrid . " Lemme see [her]153-katie ! "[218-hagrid] " Something 's happened to [her]153-katie ! "[412-leanne] sobbed [Leanne]412-leanne . " [I]412-leanne do n't know what — "[412-leanne] [Hagrid]218-hagrid stared at [Katie]153-katie for a second , then without a word , bent down , scooped [her]153-katie into [his]2070-his arms , and ran off toward [the castle]4540-the castle with [her]153-katie . Within seconds , [Katie]153-katie 's piercing screams had died away and the only sound was the roar of the wind . [Hermione]194-hermione hurried over to [[Katie]153-katie 's wailing friend]2072-katie 's wailing friend and put an arm around [her]2072-katie 's wailing friend . " It 's [Leanne]412-leanne , is n't it ? "[1349-the girl] [The girl]1349-the girl nodded . " Did it just happen all of a sudden , or — ? "[1349-the girl] " It was when that package tore , "[412-leanne] sobbed [Leanne]412-leanne , pointing at the now sodden brown - paper package on the ground , which had split open to reveal a greenish glitter . [Ron]217-ron bent down , [his]217-ron hand out - stretched , but [Harry]136-harry seized [his]217-ron arm and pulled [him]217-ron back . " Do n't touch it ! "[136-harry] [He]136-harry crouched down . An ornate opal necklace was visible , poking out of the paper . " [I]136-harry 've seen that before , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , staring at the thing . " It was on display in [Borgin]280-borgin and [Burkes]281-burkes ages ago . The label said it was cursed . [Katie]153-katie must have touched it . "[136-harry] [He]136-harry looked up at [Leanne]412-leanne , who had started to shake uncontrollably . " How did [Katie]153-katie get hold of this ? "[412-leanne] " Well , that 's why [we]5500-we were arguing . [She]153-katie came back from [the bathroom]5501-the bathroom in the Three Broomsticks holding it , said it was a sur - prise for [somebody at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts]5502-somebody at hogwarts and [she]153-katie had to deliver it . [She]153-katie looked all funny when [she]153-katie said it . ... Oh no , oh no , [I]412-leanne bet [she]153-katie 'd been Imperiused and [I]412-leanne did n't realize ! "[412-leanne] [Leanne]412-leanne shook with renewed sobs . [Hermione]194-hermione patted [her]412-leanne shoulder gently . " [She]153-katie did n't say who 'd given it to [her]153-katie , [Leanne]412-leanne ? "[194-hermione] " No . . . [she]153-katie would n't tell [me]412-leanne . . . and [I]412-leanne said [she]153-katie was being stupid and not to take it up to [school]4622-school , but [she]153-katie just would n't listen and . . . and then [I]412-leanne tried to grab it from [her]153-katie . . . and — and — "[412-leanne] [Leanne]412-leanne let out a wail of despair . " [We]5504-we 'd better get up to [school]4622-school , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , [her]194-hermione arm still around [Leanne]412-leanne . " [We]5504-we 'll be able to find out how [she]153-katie is . Come on . . . . "[194-hermione] [Harry]136-harry hesitated for a moment , then pulled [his]136-harry scarf from around [his]136-harry face and , ignoring [Ron]217-ron 's gasp , carefully covered the necklace in it and picked it up . " [We]5504-we 'll need to show this to [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said . As [they]2074-they followed [Hermione]194-hermione and [Leanne]412-leanne up [the road]851-the road , [Harry]136-harry was thinking furiously . [They]2074-they had just entered [the grounds]1899-the grounds when [he]136-harry spoke , unable to keep [his]136-harry thoughts to [himself]136-harry any longer . " [Malfoy]170-malfoy knows about this necklace . It was in a case at [Borgin and Burkes]86-borgin and burkes four years ago , [I]136-harry saw [him]170-malfoy having a good look at it while [I]136-harry was hiding from [him]170-malfoy and [[his]170-malfoy dad]5468-his dad . This is what [he]170-malfoy was buying that day when [we]2074-they followed [him]170-malfoy ! [He]170-malfoy remembered it and [he]170-malfoy went back for it ! "[136-harry] , " [I]217-ron — [I]217-ron dunno , [Harry]136-harry , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron hesitantly . " [Loads of [people]681-people]5507-loads of people go to [Borgin]280-borgin and [Burkes]281-burkes . . . and did n't [that girl]5509-that girl say [Katie]153-katie got it in [[the girls]5510-the girls ' bathroom]5511-the girls ' bathroom ? "[217-ron] " [She]5509-that girl said [she]5509-that girl came back from [the bathroom]5501-the bathroom with it , [she]5509-that girl did n't necessarily get it in [the bathroom itself]5513-the bathroom itself — "[217-ron] " [McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall ! "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron warningly . [Harry]136-harry looked up . Sure enough , [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall was hur - rying down [the stone steps]2077-the stone steps through swirling sleet to meet [them]2078-you . " [Hagrid]218-hagrid says [you]2078-you four saw what happened to [Katie Bell]153-katie — [upstairs]1716-upstairs to [[my]251-professor mcgonagall office]4453-my office at once , please ! What 's that [you]2078-you 're holding , [Potter]136-harry ? "[251-professor mcgonagall] " It 's the thing [she]153-katie touched , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Good lord , "[251-professor mcgonagall] said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall , looking alarmed as [she]251-professor mcgonagall took the necklace from [Harry]136-harry . " No , no , [Filch]327-filch , [they]5516-they 're with [me]251-professor mcgonagall ! "[251-professor mcgonagall] [she]251-professor mcgonagall added hastily , as [Filch]327-filch came shuffling eagerly across [the entrance hall]5133-the entrance hall holding [his]327-filch Secrecy Sensor aloft . " Take this necklace to Profes - sor Snape at once , but be sure not to touch it , keep it wrapped in the scarf ! "[251-professor mcgonagall] [Harry]136-harry and [the others]4977-the others followed [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall [upstairs]1716-upstairs and into [[her]251-professor mcgonagall office]2082-her office . The sleet - spattered windows were rattling in their frames , and [the room]685-the room was chilly despite the fire crackling in the grate . [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall closed the door and swept around [her]251-professor mcgonagall desk to face [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , [Hermione]194-hermione , and [the still sobbing Leanne]2084-the still sobbing leanne . " Well ? "[251-professor mcgonagall] [she]251-professor mcgonagall said sharply . " What happened ? "[251-professor mcgonagall] Haltingly , and with many pauses while [she]251-professor mcgonagall attempted to control [her]251-professor mcgonagall crying , [Leanne]412-leanne told [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall how [Katie]153-katie had gone to [the bathroom]5501-the bathroom in the Three Broomsticks and returned holding the unmarked package , how [Katie]153-katie had seemed a little odd , and how [they]2086-they had argued about the advisability of agreeing to deliver unknown objects , the argument culminating in the tussle over the parcel , which tore open . At this point , [Leanne]412-leanne was so overcome , there was no getting another word out of [her]412-leanne . " All right , "[251-professor mcgonagall] said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall , not unkindly , " go up to [the hospital wing]5397-the hospital wing , please , [Leanne]412-leanne , and get [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey to give [you]412-leanne something for shock . "[251-professor mcgonagall] When [she]412-leanne had left [the room]685-the room , [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall turned back to [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , and [Hermione]194-hermione . " What happened when [Katie]153-katie touched the necklace ? "[251-professor mcgonagall] " [She]153-katie rose up in the air , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , before either [Ron]217-ron or [Hermi]384-hermi - one could speak , " and then began to scream , and collapsed . Profes - sor , can [I]251-professor mcgonagall see [Professor Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , please ? "[251-professor mcgonagall] " [The headmaster]1054-the headmaster is away until Monday , [Potter]136-harry , "[251-professor mcgonagall] said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall , looking surprised . " Away ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry repeated angrily . " Yes , [Potter]136-harry , away ! "[251-professor mcgonagall] said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall tartly . " But any - thing [you]136-harry have to say about this horrible business can be said to [me]251-professor mcgonagall , [I]251-professor mcgonagall 'm sure ! "[251-professor mcgonagall] For a split second , [Harry]136-harry hesitated . [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall did not invite confidences ; [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , though in many ways more intimidating , still seemed less likely to scorn a theory , however wild . This was a life - and - death matter , though , and no moment to worry about being laughed at . " [I]136-harry think [Draco Malfoy]170-malfoy gave [Katie]153-katie that necklace , [Professor]251-professor mcgonagall . "[136-harry] ; On one side of [him]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron rubbed [his]217-ron nose in apparent embar - rassment ; on the other , [Hermione]194-hermione shuffled [her]194-hermione feet as though quite keen to put a bit of distance between [herself]194-hermione and [Harry]136-harry . " That is a very serious accusation , [Potter]136-harry , "[251-professor mcgonagall] said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall , after a shocked pause . " Do [you]136-harry have any proof ? "[251-professor mcgonagall] " No , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , " but .. . "[136-harry] and [he]136-harry told [her]194-hermione about following [Malfoy]170-malfoy to [Borgin]280-borgin and [Burkes]281-burkes and the conversation [they]2088-they had over - heard between [him]170-malfoy and [Mr. Borgin]280-borgin . When [he]136-harry had finished speaking , [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall looked slightly confused . " [Malfoy]170-malfoy took something to [Borgin]280-borgin and [Burkes]281-burkes for repair ? "[251-professor mcgonagall] " No , [Professor]4626-professor , [he]170-malfoy just wanted [Borgin]280-borgin to tell [him]170-malfoy how to mend something , [he]170-malfoy did n't have it with [him]170-malfoy . But that 's not the point , the thing is that [he]170-malfoy bought something at the same time , and [I]136-harry think it was that necklace — "[136-harry] " [You]136-harry saw [Malfoy]170-malfoy leaving [the shop]4807-the shop with a similar package ? "[194-hermione] " No , [Professor]251-professor mcgonagall , [he]170-malfoy told [Borgin]280-borgin to keep it in [the shop]4807-the shop for [him]170-malfoy — "[251-professor mcgonagall] " But [Harry]136-harry , "[194-hermione] [Hermione]194-hermione interrupted , " [Borgin]280-borgin asked [him]170-malfoy if [he]170-malfoy wanted to take it with [him]170-malfoy , and [Malfoy]170-malfoy said no — "[194-hermione] " Because [he]170-malfoy did n't want to touch it , obviously ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry angrily . " What [he]170-malfoy actually said was , ' How would [I]194-hermione look carrying that down [the street]1076-the street ? ' "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione . " Well , [he]170-malfoy would look a bit of a prat carrying a necklace , "[194-hermione] inter - jected [Ron]217-ron . " Oh , [Ron]217-ron , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione despairingly , " it would be all wrapped up , so [he]170-malfoy would n't have to touch it , and quite easy to hide inside a cloak , so [nobody]687-nobody would see it ! [I]194-hermione think whatever [he]170-malfoy reserved at [Borgin]280-borgin and [Burkes]281-burkes was noisy or bulky , something [he]170-malfoy knew would draw attention to [him]170-malfoy if [he]170-malfoy carried it down [the street]1076-the street — and in any case , "[194-hermione] [she]194-hermione pressed on loudly , before [Harry]136-harry could interrupt , " [I]194-hermione asked [Borgin]280-borgin about the necklace , do n't [you]136-harry remember ? When [I]194-hermione went in to try and find out what [Malfoy]170-malfoy had asked [him]170-malfoy to keep , [I]194-hermione saw it there . And [Borgin]280-borgin just told [me]194-hermione the price , [he]280-borgin did n't say it was already sold or anything — "[194-hermione] " Well , [you]136-harry were being really obvious , [he]170-malfoy realized what [you]136-harry were up to within about five seconds , of course [he]170-malfoy was n't going to tell [you]136-harry — anyway , [Malfoy]170-malfoy could 've sent off for it since — "[251-professor mcgonagall] " That 's enough ! "[251-professor mcgonagall] said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall , as [Hermione]194-hermione opened [her]194-hermione mouth to retort , looking furious . " [Potter]136-harry , [I]194-hermione appreciate [you]136-harry telling [me]194-hermione this , but [we]5525-we can not point the finger of blame at [Mr. Malfoy]413-malfoy purely because [he]170-malfoy visited the shop where this necklace might have been purchased . The same is probably true of [hundreds of [people]681-people]5526-hundreds of people — "[194-hermione] " — that 's what [I]217-ron said — "[217-ron] muttered [Ron]217-ron . " — and in any case , [we]5525-we have put stringent security measures in place this year . [I]217-ron do not believe that necklace can possibly have en - tered [this school]5528-this school without [our]5525-we knowledge — "[217-ron] " But — "[251-professor mcgonagall] " — and what is more , "[251-professor mcgonagall] said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall , with an air of awful finality , " [Mr. Malfoy]413-malfoy was not in [Hogsmeade]61-hogsmeade today . "[251-professor mcgonagall] [Harry]136-harry gaped at [her]251-professor mcgonagall , deflating . " How do [you]251-professor mcgonagall know , [Professor]4626-professor ? "[251-professor mcgonagall] " Because [he]170-malfoy was doing detention with [me]251-professor mcgonagall . [He]170-malfoy has now failed to complete [his]170-malfoy Transfiguration homework twice in a row . So , thank [you]2089-they for telling [me]251-professor mcgonagall [your]2089-they suspicions , [Potter]136-harry , "[251-professor mcgonagall] [she]251-professor mcgonagall said as [she]251-professor mcgonagall marched past [them]2089-they , " but [I]251-professor mcgonagall need to go up to [the hospital wing]5397-the hospital wing now to check on [Katie Bell]153-katie . Good day to [you]2089-they all . "[251-professor mcgonagall] [She]251-professor mcgonagall held open [[her]251-professor mcgonagall office]2082-her office door . [They]2089-they had no choice but to file past [her]251-professor mcgonagall without another word . [Harry]136-harry was angry with [the other two]1385-the other two for siding with [McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall ; nevertheless , [he]136-harry felt compelled to join in once [they]2089-they started dis - cussing what had happened . " So who do [you]136-harry reckon [Katie]153-katie was supposed to give the necklace to ? "[217-ron] asked [Ron]217-ron , as [they]2089-they climbed the stairs to [the common room]1602-the common room . " [Goodness]414-goodness only knows , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione . " But whoever it was has had a narrow escape . [No one]4841-no one could have opened that package without touching the necklace . "[194-hermione] " It could 've been meant for loads of [people]681-people , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore — [the Death Eaters]4511-the death eaters would love to get rid of [him]146-dumbledore , [he]146-dumbledore must be [one of [their]4511-the death eaters top targets]5534-one of their top targets . Or [Slughorn]216-slughorn — [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore reckons [Voldemort]192-voldemort really wanted [him]146-dumbledore and [they]4511-the death eaters ca n't be pleased that [he]146-dumbledore 's sided with [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . Or — "[136-harry] " Or [you]136-harry , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , looking troubled . " Could n't have been , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , " or [Katie]153-katie would 've just turned around in [the lane]1745-the lane and given it to [me]136-harry , would n't [she]153-katie ? [I]136-harry was behind [her]153-katie all the way out of [the Three Broomsticks]5536-the three broomsticks . It would have made much more sense to deliver the parcel outside [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , what with [Filch]327-filch searching everyone who goes in and out . [I]136-harry wonder why [Malfoy]413-malfoy told [her]153-katie to take it into [the castle]4540-the castle ? "[136-harry] " [Harry]136-harry , [Malfoy]413-malfoy was n't in [Hogsmeade]61-hogsmeade ! "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , actually stamping [her]194-hermione foot in frustration . " [He]413-malfoy must have used [an accomplice]5538-an accomplice , then , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [Crabbe]313-crabbe or [Goyle]312-goyle — or , come to think of it , [another Death Eater]5539-another death eater , [he]413-malfoy 'll have [loads better cronies]5540-loads better cronies than [Crabbe]313-crabbe and [Goyle]312-goyle now [he]413-malfoy 's joined up — "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione exchanged looks that plainly said There 's no point arguing with [him]217-ron . " [Dilligrout]415-dilligrout , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione firmly as [they]2093-they reached [the Fat Lady]2094-the fat lady . The portrait swung open to admit [them]2093-they to [the common room]1602-the common room . [It]2096-it was quite full and smelled of damp clothing ; [many people]5205-many people seemed to have returned from [Hogsmeade]61-hogsmeade early because of the bad weather . There was no buzz of fear or speculation , however : Clearly , the news of [Katie]153-katie 's fate had not yet spread . " It was n't a very slick attack , really , when [you]5541-you stop and think about it , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , casually turfing a first year out of one of the good armchairs by the fire so that [he]217-ron could sit down . " The curse did n't even make it into [the castle]4540-the castle . Not what [you]5541-you 'd call foolproof . "[217-ron] " [You]5541-you 're right , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , prodding [Ron]217-ron out of the chair with [her]194-hermione foot and offering it to the first year again . " It was n't very well thought - out at all . "[194-hermione] " But since when has [Malfoy]413-malfoy been one of [the world]714-the world 's great thinkers ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry . Neither [Ron]217-ron nor [Hermione]194-hermione answered [him]136-harry . Chapter 13 : The secret riddle [Katie]153-katie was removed to [[St. Mungo]150-st. mungo 's Hospital]89-st. mungo 's hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries the following day , by which time the news that [she]153-katie had been cursed had spread all over [the school]1525-the school , though the details were confused and nobody other than [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , [Hermione]194-hermione , and [Leanne]412-leanne seemed to know that [Katie]153-katie [herself]153-katie had not been the intended target . " Oh , and [Malfoy]413-malfoy knows , of course , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry to [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione , who continued [their]2099-their new policy of feigning deafness whenever [Harry]136-harry mentioned [his]136-harry Malfoy - Is - a - Death - Eater theory . [Harry]136-harry had wondered whether [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore would return from wherever [he]146-dumbledore had been in time for Monday night 's lesson , but having had no word to the contrary , [he]136-harry presented [himself]136-harry outside [[Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's office]4815-dumbledore 's office at eight o'clock , knocked , and was told to enter . There sat [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore looking unusually tired ; [his]146-dumbledore hand was as black and burned as ever , but [he]146-dumbledore smiled when [he]146-dumbledore gestured to [Harry]136-harry to sit down . [The Pensieve]65-the pensieve was sitting on the desk again , casting silvery specks of light over the ceiling . " [You]136-harry have had a busy time while [I]146-dumbledore have been away , "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore said . " [I]146-dumbledore believe [you]136-harry witnessed [Katie]153-katie 's accident . "[146-dumbledore] " Yes , [sir]985-sir . How is [she]153-katie ? "[146-dumbledore] " Still very unwell , although [she]153-katie was relatively lucky . [She]153-katie appears to have brushed the necklace with the smallest possible amount of skin ; there was a tiny hole in [her]153-katie glove . Had [she]153-katie put it on , had [she]153-katie even held it in [her]153-katie ungloved hand , [she]153-katie would have died , perhaps instantly . [Luckily Professor Snape]221-snape was able to do enough to prevent a rapid spread of the curse ? quot ; "[146-dumbledore] Why [him]146-dumbledore ? " asked [Harry]136-harry quickly . "[146-dumbledore] Why not [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey ? " "[320-madam pomfrey] Impertinent , " said a soft voice from one of the portraits on the wall , and [Phineas Nigellus Black]417-phineas nigellus , [[Sirius]144-sirius 's great - great - grandfather]5545-sirius 's great - great - grandfather , raised [his]417-phineas nigellus head from [his]417-phineas nigellus arms where [he]417-phineas nigellus had appeared to be sleeping . "[320-madam pomfrey] [I]0-i would not have permitted [a student]2101-a student to question the way [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts operated in [my]0-i day . " "[2101-a student] Yes , thank [you]0-i , [Phineas]417-phineas nigellus , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore quellingly . "[0-i] [Professor Snape]221-snape knows much more about the Dark Arts than [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey , [Harry]136-harry . Anyway , [[the St. Mungo]150-st. mungo 's staff]2102-the st. mungo 's staff are sending [me]0-i hourly reports , and [I]0-i am hopeful that [Katie]153-katie will make a full recovery in time . " "[0-i] Where were [you]0-i this weekend , [sir]985-sir ? " [Harry]136-harry asked , disregarding a strong feeling that [he]136-harry might be pushing [his]136-harry luck , a feeling apparently shared by [Phineas Nigellus]417-phineas nigellus , who hissed softly . "[985-sir] [I]0-i would rather not say just now , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[985-sir] However , [I]0-i shall tell [you]136-harry in due course . " "[0-i] [You]0-i will ? " said [Harry]136-harry , startled . "[0-i] Yes , [I]0-i expect so , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , withdrawing a fresh bottle of silver memories from inside [his]0-i robes and uncorking it with a prod of [his]0-i wand . "[0-i] [Sir]985-sir , " said [Harry]136-harry tentatively , "[985-sir] [I]0-i met [Mundungus]410-mundungus in [Hogsmeade]61-hogsmeade . " "[410-mundungus] Ah yes , [I]0-i am already aware that [Mundungus]410-mundungus has been treating [your]136-harry inheritance with light - fingered contempt , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , frowning a little . "[410-mundungus] [He]410-mundungus has gone to [ground]2105-ground since [you]136-harry accosted [him]410-mundungus outside [the Three Broomsticks]84-the three broomsticks ; [I]0-i rather think [he]410-mundungus dreads facing [me]0-i . However , rest assured that [he]410-mundungus will not be making away with any more of [Sirius]144-sirius 's old possessions . " "[410-mundungus] [That mangy old half - blood]2106-that mangy old half - blood has been stealing Black heirlooms ? " said [Phineas Nigellus]417-phineas nigellus , incensed ; and [he]417-phineas nigellus stalked out of [his]417-phineas nigellus frame , undoubtedly to visit [his]417-phineas nigellus portrait in number twelve , [Grimmauld Place]23-grimmauld place . "[4626-professor] [Professor]4626-professor , " said [Harry]136-harry , after a short pause , "[4626-professor] did [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall tell [you]4626-professor what [I]0-i told [her]251-professor mcgonagall after [Katie]153-katie got hurt ? About [Draco Malfoy]170-malfoy ? " "[251-professor mcgonagall] [She]251-professor mcgonagall told [me]0-i of [your]4626-professor suspicions , yes , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[251-professor mcgonagall] And do [you]4626-professor ? ? " "[4626-professor] [I]0-i shall take all appropriate measures to investigate anyone who might have had a hand in [Katie]153-katie 's accident , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[0-i] But what concerns [me]0-i now , [Harry]136-harry , is [our]2108-we lesson . " [Harry]136-harry felt slightly resentful at this : If [their]2108-we lessons were so very important , why had there been such a long gap between the first and second ? However , [he]136-harry said no more about [Draco Malfoy]170-malfoy , but watched as [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore poured the fresh memories into the Pensieve and began swirling the stone basin once more between [his]146-dumbledore long - fingered hands . "[136-harry] [You]2109-you will remember , [I]0-i am sure , that [we]2108-we left the tale of [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort 's beginnings at the point where [the handsome Muggle]206-morfin , [Tom Riddle]379-riddle , had abandoned [[his]206-morfin witch wife]2110-his witch wife , [Merope]361-merope , and returned to [[his]206-morfin family home]2111-his family home in [Little Hangleton]67-little hangleton . [Merope]361-merope was left alone in [London]60-london , expecting [the baby who would one day become [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort]2112-the baby who would one day become lord voldemort . " "[361-merope] How do [you]0-i know [she]361-merope was in [London]60-london , [sir]985-sir ? " "[0-i] Because of the evidence of [one Caractacus Burke]418-caractacus burke , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , "[418-caractacus burke] who , by an odd coincidence , helped found the very shop whence came the necklace [we]2108-we have just been discussing . " [He]146-dumbledore swilled the contents of the Pensieve as [Harry]136-harry had seen [him]146-dumbledore swill them before , much as [a gold prospector]5546-a gold prospector sifts for gold . Up out of the swirling , silvery mass rose [a little old man]5547-a little old man revolving slowly in [the Pensieve]65-the pensieve , silver as a ghost but much more solid , with a thatch of hair that completely covered [his]5547-a little old man eyes . "[2114-a young witch just before christmas] Yes , [we]2108-we acquired it in curious circumstances . It was brought in by [a young witch just before Christmas]2114-a young witch just before christmas , oh , many years ago now . [She]2114-a young witch just before christmas said [she]2114-a young witch just before christmas needed the gold badly , well , that much was obvious . Covered in rags and pretty far along . . . Going to have [a baby]2115-a baby , see . [She]2114-a young witch just before christmas said the locket had been [Slytherin]204-slytherin 's . Well , [we]2108-we hear that sort of story all the time , ' Oh , this was [Merlin]147-merlin 's , this was , [his]2116-his favorite teapot , ' but when [I]0-i looked at it , it had [his]2116-his mark all right , and a few simple spells were enough to tell [me]0-i the truth . Of course , that made it near enough priceless . [She]2114-a young witch just before christmas did n't seem to have any idea how much it was worth . Happy to get [ten Galleons]38-the galleons for it . Best bargain [we]2108-we ever made ! " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore gave [the Pensieve]65-the pensieve an extra - vigorous shake and [Caractacus Burke]418-caractacus burke descended back into the swirling mass of memory from whence [he]2116-his had come . "[2116-his] [He]2116-his only gave [her]2114-a young witch just before christmas ten Galleons ? " said [Harry]136-harry indignantly . "[2116-his] [Caractacus Burke]418-caractacus burke was not famed for [his]2116-his generosity , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[2116-his] So [we]2108-we know that , near the end of [her]2114-a young witch just before christmas pregnancy , [Merope]361-merope was alone in [London]60-london and in desperate need of gold , desperate enough to sell [her]2114-a young witch just before christmas one and only valuable possession , the locket that was one of [Marvolo]379-riddle 's treasured family heirlooms . " "[2114-a young witch just before christmas] But [she]2114-a young witch just before christmas could do magic ! " said [Harry]136-harry impatiently . "[2114-a young witch just before christmas] [She]2114-a young witch just before christmas could have got food and everything for [herself]2114-a young witch just before christmas by magic , could n't [she]2114-a young witch just before christmas ? " "[2114-a young witch just before christmas] Ah , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , "[2114-a young witch just before christmas] perhaps [she]2114-a young witch just before christmas could . But it is [my]0-i belief — [I]0-i am guessing again , but [I]0-i am sure [I]0-i am right ? that when [[her]2114-a young witch just before christmas husband]4767-her husband abandoned [her]2114-a young witch just before christmas , [Merope]361-merope stopped using magic . [I]0-i do not think that [she]2114-a young witch just before christmas wanted to be [a witch]1852-a witch any longer . Of course , it is also possible that [her]2114-a young witch just before christmas unrequited love and the attendant despair sapped [her]2114-a young witch just before christmas of [her]2114-a young witch just before christmas powers ; that can happen . In any case , as [you]2119-you are about to see , [Merope]361-merope refused to raise [her]361-merope wand even to save [her]361-merope own life . " "[361-merope] [She]361-merope would n't even stay alive for [[her]361-merope son]5023-her son ? " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore raised [his]146-dumbledore eyebrows . "[361-merope] Could [you]0-i possibly be feeling sorry for [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort ? " "[0-i] No , " said [Harry]136-harry quickly , "[0-i] but [she]361-merope had a choice , did n't [she]361-merope , not like [[my]0-i mother]4685-my mother ? quot ; " [[Your]0-i mother]4687-your mother had a choice too , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore gently . " Yes , [Merope Riddle]361-merope chose death in spite of [a son who needed [her]361-merope]5549-a son who needed her , but do not judge [her]361-merope too harshly , [Harry]136-harry . [She]361-merope was greatly weakened by long suffering and [she]361-merope never had [[your]136-harry mother]4687-your mother 's courage . And now , if [you]136-harry will stand ... "[146-dumbledore] " Where are [we]5551-we going ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry asked , as [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore joined [him]136-harry at the front of the desk . " This time , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , " [we]5551-we are going to enter [my]146-dumbledore memory . [I]146-dumbledore think [you]136-harry will find it both rich in detail and satisfyingly accurate . After [you]136-harry , [Harry]136-harry ... "[146-dumbledore] [Harry]136-harry bent over [the Pensieve]65-the pensieve ; [his]136-harry face broke the cool surface of the memory and then [he]136-harry was falling through darkness again . . . . Seconds later , [his]136-harry feet hit firm ground ; [he]136-harry opened [his]136-harry eyes and found that [he]136-harry and [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore were standing in [a bustling , old - fashioned London street]2122-a bustling , old - fashioned london street . " There [I]146-dumbledore am , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore brightly , pointing ahead of [them]2123-them to [a tall figure crossing [the road]851-the road in front of [a horse - drawn milk cart]2126-a horse - drawn milk cart]2124-a tall figure crossing the road in front of a horse - drawn milk cart . [This younger Albus Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's long hair and beard were auburn . Having reached [[their]2123-them side of [the street]1076-the street]2127-their side of the street , [he]136-harry strode off along [the pavement]4581-the pavement , drawing many curious glances due to the flamboyantly cut suit of plum velvet that [he]136-harry was wearing . " Nice suit , [sir]985-sir , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , before [he]136-harry could stop [himself]136-harry , but [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore merely chuckled as [they]2123-them followed [[his]146-dumbledore younger self]2130-his younger self a short distance , finally passing through a set of iron gates into [a bare courtyard that fronted [a rather grim , square building surrounded by high railings]2132-a rather grim , square building surrounded by high railings]2131-a bare courtyard that fronted a rather grim , square building surrounded by high railings . [He]136-harry mounted the few steps leading to the front door and knocked once . After a moment or two , the door was opened by [a scruffy girl wearing an apron]2133-a scruffy girl wearing an apron . " Good afternoon . [I]2133-a scruffy girl wearing an apron have an appointment with a [Mrs. Cole]419-mrs. cole , who , [I]2133-a scruffy girl wearing an apron believe , is [the matron]5112-the matron [here]4439-here ? "[2133-a scruffy girl wearing an apron] " Oh , "[2134-the bewildered - looking girl] said [the bewildered - looking girl]2134-the bewildered - looking girl , taking in [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's eccentric appearance . " Um . . . just a mo ' . . . [MRS . COLE]419-mrs. cole ! "[2134-the bewildered - looking girl] [she]2134-the bewildered - looking girl bellowed over [her]2134-the bewildered - looking girl shoulder . [Harry]136-harry heard a distant voice shouting something in response . [The girl]1349-the girl turned back to [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " Come in , [she]2139-a skinny , harassed - looking woman 's on ' er way . "[1349-the girl] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore stepped into [a hallway tiled in black and white]2136-a hallway tiled in black and white ; [the whole place]1701-the whole place was shabby but spotlessly clean . [Harry]136-harry and [the older Dumbledore]146-dumbledore followed . Before the front door had closed behind [them]2138-them , [a skinny , harassed - looking woman]2139-a skinny , harassed - looking woman came scurrying toward [them]2138-them . [She]2139-a skinny , harassed - looking woman had a sharp - featured face that appeared more anxious than unkind , and [she]2139-a skinny , harassed - looking woman was talking over [her]2139-a skinny , harassed - looking woman shoulder to [another aproned helper]2140-another aproned helper as [she]2139-a skinny , harassed - looking woman walked toward [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " . . . and take the iodine [upstairs]1716-upstairs to [Martha]420-martha , [Billy Stubbs]241-bill has been picking [his]241-bill scabs and [Eric Whalley]421-eric whalley 's oozing all over [his]241-bill sheets ? chicken pox on top of everything else , "[2139-a skinny , harassed - looking woman] [she]2139-a skinny , harassed - looking woman said to [nobody in particular]2141-nobody in particular , and then [her]2139-a skinny , harassed - looking woman eyes fell upon [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore and [she]2139-a skinny , harassed - looking woman stopped dead in [her]2139-a skinny , harassed - looking woman tracks , looking as astonished as if a giraffe had just crossed [her]2139-a skinny , harassed - looking woman threshold . " Good afternoon , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , holding out [his]146-dumbledore hand . [Mrs. Cole]419-mrs. cole simply gaped . " [My]419-mrs. cole name is [Albus Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . [I]419-mrs. cole sent [you]419-mrs. cole a letter requesting an appointment and [you]419-mrs. cole very kindly invited [me]419-mrs. cole [here]4439-here today . "[419-mrs. cole] [Mrs. Cole]419-mrs. cole blinked . Apparently deciding that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was not a hallucination , [she]419-mrs. cole said feebly , " Oh yes . Well ? well then ? [you]146-dumbledore 'd better come into [[my]419-mrs. cole room]5557-my room . Yes . "[419-mrs. cole] [She]419-mrs. cole led [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore into [a small room that seemed part sitting room]2142-a small room that seemed part sitting room , [part office]2143-part office . [It]2142-a small room that seemed part sitting room was as shabby as [the hallway]2144-the hallway and the furniture was old and mismatched . [She]419-mrs. cole invited [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore to sit on a rickety chair and seated [herself]419-mrs. cole behind a cluttered desk , eyeing [him]146-dumbledore nervously . " [I]146-dumbledore am here , as [I]146-dumbledore told [you]419-mrs. cole in [my]146-dumbledore letter , to discuss [Tom Riddle]379-riddle and arrangements for [his]379-riddle future , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " Are [you]419-mrs. cole [family]4566-family ? "[419-mrs. cole] asked [Mrs. Cole]419-mrs. cole . " No , [I]146-dumbledore am [a teacher]4686-a teacher , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [I]146-dumbledore have come to offer [Tom]379-riddle a place at [[my]146-dumbledore school]5560-my school . "[146-dumbledore] " [What school]5561-what school 's this , then ? "[419-mrs. cole] " It is called [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " And how come [you]419-mrs. cole 're interested in [Tom]379-riddle ? "[146-dumbledore] " [We]5562-we believe [he]2145-he has qualities [we]5562-we are looking for . "[419-mrs. cole] " [You]419-mrs. cole mean [he]2145-he 's won a scholarship ? How can [he]2145-he have done ? [He]2145-he 's never been entered for one . "[419-mrs. cole] " Well , [his]2145-he name has been down for [[our]5562-we school]5563-our school since birth ? quot ; "[146-dumbledore] Who registered [him]2145-he ? [[His]2145-he parents]1039-his parents ? " There was no doubt that [Mrs. Cole]419-mrs. cole was [an inconveniently sharp woman]5564-an inconveniently sharp woman . Apparently [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore thought so too , for [Harry]136-harry now saw [him]146-dumbledore slip [his]146-dumbledore wand out of the pocket of [his]146-dumbledore velvet suit , at the same time picking up a piece of perfectly blank paper from [Mrs. Cole]419-mrs. cole 's desktop . "[419-mrs. cole] Here , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , waving [his]146-dumbledore wand once as [he]146-dumbledore passed [her]419-mrs. cole the piece of paper , "[419-mrs. cole] [I]0-i think this will make everything clear . " [Mrs. Cole]419-mrs. cole 's eyes slid out of focus and back again as [she]419-mrs. cole gazed intently at the blank paper for a moment . "[0-i] That seems perfectly in order , " [she]419-mrs. cole said placidly , handing it back . Then [her]419-mrs. cole eyes fell upon a bottle of gin and two glasses that had certainly not been present a few seconds before . "[0-i] Er ? may [I]0-i offer [you]0-i a glass of gin ? " [she]419-mrs. cole said in an extra - refined voice . "[0-i] Thank [you]0-i very much , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , beaming . It soon became clear that [Mrs. Cole]419-mrs. cole was [no novice]5565-no novice when it came to gin drinking . Pouring both of [them]5566-them a generous measure , [she]419-mrs. cole drained [her]419-mrs. cole own glass in one gulp . Smacking [her]419-mrs. cole lips frankly , [she]419-mrs. cole smiled at [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore for the first time , and [he]146-dumbledore did n't hesitate to press [his]146-dumbledore advantage . "[0-i] [I]0-i was wondering whether [you]0-i could tell [me]0-i anything of [Tom Riddle]379-riddle 's history ? [I]0-i think [he]379-riddle was born here in [the orphanage]2147-the orphanage ? " "[0-i] That 's right , " said [Mrs. Cole]419-mrs. cole , helping [herself]419-mrs. cole to more gin . "[0-i] [I]0-i remember it clear as anything , because [I]0-i 'd just started [here]4439-here [myself]0-i . New Year 's Eve and bitter cold , snowing , [you]2149-you know . Nasty night . And [this girl]2150-this girl , not much older than [I]0-i was [myself]0-i at the time , came staggering up the front steps . Well , [she]2150-this girl was n't the first . [We]2151-we took [her]2150-this girl in , and [she]2150-this girl had [the baby]1877-the baby within the hour . And [she]2150-this girl was dead in another hour . " [Mrs. Cole]419-mrs. cole nodded impressively and took another generous gulp of gin . "[2150-this girl] Did [she]2150-this girl say anything before [she]2150-this girl died ? " asked [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[2150-this girl] Anything about [[the boy]4442-the boy 's father]2154-the boy 's father , for instance ? " "[2150-this girl] Now , as it happens , [she]2150-this girl did , " said [Mrs. Cole]419-mrs. cole , who seemed to be rather enjoying [herself]419-mrs. cole now , with the gin in [her]419-mrs. cole hand and an eager audience for [her]419-mrs. cole story . "[2150-this girl] [I]0-i remember [she]2150-this girl said to [me]0-i , ' [I]0-i hope [he]4442-the boy looks like [[his]4442-the boy papa]2155-his papa , ' and [I]0-i wo n't lie , [she]2150-this girl was right to hope it , because [she]2150-this girl was [no beauty]2156-no beauty ? and then [she]2150-this girl told [me]0-i [he]4442-the boy was to be named [Tom]379-riddle , for [[his]4442-the boy father]904-his father , and [Marvolo]379-riddle , for [[her]2150-this girl father]1797-her father ? yes , [I]0-i know , funny name , is n't it ? [We]2159-we wondered whether [she]2150-this girl came from [a circus]2160-a circus ? and [she]2150-this girl said [the boy]4442-the boy 's surname was to be [Riddle]379-riddle . And [she]2150-this girl died soon after that without another word . " Well , [we]2159-we named [him]4442-the boy just as [she]2150-this girl 'd said , it seemed so important to [the poor girl]5567-the poor girl , but [no [Tom]379-riddle nor [Marvolo]379-riddle nor any kind of [Riddle]379-riddle]379-riddle ever came looking for [him]4442-the boy , nor [any family]5568-any family at all , so [he]4442-the boy stayed in [the orphanage]2147-the orphanage and [he]4442-the boy 's been [here]4439-here ever since . "[2150-this girl] [Mrs. Cole]419-mrs. cole helped [herself]419-mrs. cole , almost absentmindedly , to another healthy measure of gin . Two pink spots had appeared high on [her]419-mrs. cole cheekbones . Then [she]419-mrs. cole said , " [He]4442-the boy 's [a funny boy]5571-a funny boy . "[419-mrs. cole] " Yes , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [I]146-dumbledore thought [he]4442-the boy might be . "[146-dumbledore] " [He]4442-the boy was [a funny baby]5572-a funny baby too . [He]4442-the boy hardly ever cried , [you]419-mrs. cole know . And then , when [he]4442-the boy got a little older , [he]4442-the boy was . . . odd . "[419-mrs. cole] " Odd in what way ? "[146-dumbledore] asked [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore gently . " Well , [he]4442-the boy ? quot ; But [Mrs. Cole]419-mrs. cole pulled up short , and there was nothing blurry or vague about the inquisitorial glance [she]419-mrs. cole shot [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore over [her]419-mrs. cole gin glass . "[146-dumbledore] [He]2162-he 's definitely got a place at [[your]419-mrs. cole school]2163-your school , [you]419-mrs. cole say ? " "[419-mrs. cole] Definitely , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[419-mrs. cole] And nothing [I]0-i say can change that ? " "[0-i] Nothing , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[419-mrs. cole] [You]419-mrs. cole 'll be taking [him]2162-he away , whatever ? " "[419-mrs. cole] Whatever , " repeated [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore gravely . [She]419-mrs. cole squinted at [him]2162-he as though deciding whether or not to trust [him]2162-he . Apparently [she]419-mrs. cole decided [she]419-mrs. cole could , because [she]419-mrs. cole said in a sudden rush , "[2162-he] [He]2162-he scares [the other children]2164-the other children . " "[419-mrs. cole] [You]419-mrs. cole mean [he]2162-he is [a bully]2165-a bully ? " asked [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[2162-he] [I]0-i think [he]2162-he must be , " said [Mrs. Cole]419-mrs. cole , frowning slightly , "[2162-he] but it 's very hard to catch [him]2162-he at it . There have been incidents . . . . Nasty things ... " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore did not press [her]419-mrs. cole , though [Harry]136-harry could tell that [he]136-harry was interested . [She]419-mrs. cole took yet another gulp of gin and [her]419-mrs. cole rosy cheeks grew rosier still . "[241-bill] [Billy Stubbs]241-bill 's rabbit . . . well , [Tom]379-riddle said [he]379-riddle did n't do it and [I]0-i do n't see how [he]2162-he could have done , but even so , it did n't hang itself from the rafters , did it ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i should n't think so , no , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore quietly . "[0-i] But [I]0-i 'm jiggered if [I]0-i know how [he]2162-he got up [there]4506-there to do it . All [I]0-i know is [he]2162-he and [Billy]241-bill had argued the day before . And then " ? [Mrs. Cole]419-mrs. cole took another swig of gin , slopping a little over [her]419-mrs. cole chin this time ? "[2162-he] on the summer outing ? [we]2167-we take [them]2168-them out , [you]2169-you know , once a year , to [the countryside]2170-the countryside or to [the seaside]2171-the seaside ? well , [Amy Benson]422-amy benson and [Dennis Bishop]423-dennis bishop were never quite right afterwards , and all [we]2167-we ever got out of [them]2168-them was that [they]2168-them 'd gone into a cave with [Tom Riddle]379-riddle . [He]2162-he swore [they]2168-them 'd just gone exploring , but something happened in there , [I]0-i 'm sure of it . And , well , there have been a lot of things , funny things . . . . " [She]5573-she looked around at [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore again , and though [her]5573-she cheeks were flushed , [her]5573-she gaze was steady . "[0-i] [I]0-i do n't think [many people]5205-many people will be sorry to see the back of [him]2162-he . " "[0-i] [You]0-i understand , [I]0-i 'm sure , that [we]2167-we will not be keeping [him]2162-he permanently ? " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[2167-we] [He]2162-he will have to return [here]4439-here , at the very least , every summer . " "[2167-we] Oh , well , that 's better than a whack on the nose with a rusty poker , " said [Mrs. Cole]419-mrs. cole with a slight hiccup . [She]5573-she got to [her]5573-she feet , and [Harry]136-harry was impressed to see that [she]5573-she was quite steady , even though two - thirds of the gin was now gone . "[0-i] [I]0-i suppose [you]0-i 'd like to see [him]2162-he ? " "[0-i] Very much , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , rising too . [She]5573-she led [him]2162-he out of [[her]5573-she office]2082-her office and up the stone stairs , calling out instructions and admonitions to [helpers]5575-helpers and [children]5576-children as [she]5573-she passed . [The orphans]5577-the orphans , [Harry]136-harry saw , were all wearing the same kind of grayish tunic . [They]5577-the orphans looked reasonably well - cared for , but there was no denying that this was [a grim place in which to grow up]5578-a grim place in which to grow up . "[0-i] [Here]4439-here [we]2175-we are , " said [Mrs. Cole]419-mrs. cole , as [they]2175-we turned off [the second landing]5579-the second landing and stopped outside the first door in [a long corridor]5580-a long corridor . [She]419-mrs. cole knocked twice and entered . "[379-riddle] [Tom]379-riddle ? [You]379-riddle 've got [a visitor]2176-a visitor . This is [Mr. Dumberton]424-mr. dumberton ? sorry , [Dunderbore]425-dunderbore . [He]424-mr. dumberton 's come to tell [you]379-riddle ? well , [I]0-i 'll let [him]424-mr. dumberton do it . " [Harry]136-harry and [the two Dumbledores]426-dumbledores entered [the room]685-the room , and [Mrs. Cole]419-mrs. cole closed the door on [them]2175-we . It was [a small bare room with nothing in [it]5582-a small bare room with nothing in it except an old wardrobe and an iron bedstead except an old wardrobe and an iron bedstead]5582-a small bare room with nothing in it except an old wardrobe and an iron bedstead . [A boy]5259-a boy was sitting on top of the gray blankets , [his]5259-a boy legs stretched out in front of [him]5259-a boy , holding a book . There was no trace of [the Gaunts]376-the gaunts in [Tom Riddle]379-riddle 's face . [Merope]361-merope had got [her]361-merope dying wish : [He]379-riddle was [[his]379-riddle handsome father]5584-his handsome father in miniature , tall for eleven years old , dark - haired , and pale . [His]379-riddle eyes narrowed slightly as [he]379-riddle took in [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's eccentric appearance . There was a moment 's silence . "[0-i] How do [you]2177-you do , [Tom]379-riddle ? " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , walking forward and holding out [his]146-dumbledore hand . [The boy]4442-the boy hesitated , then took it , and [they]5586-they shook hands . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore drew up the hard wooden chair beside [Riddle]379-riddle , so that [the pair of [them]5586-they]827-the pair of them looked rather like [a hospital patient]5588-a hospital patient and [visitor]5589-visitor . "[2177-you] [I]0-i am [Professor Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " "[146-dumbledore] ' Professor ' ? " repeated [Riddle]379-riddle . [He]379-riddle looked wary . "[146-dumbledore] Is that like ' [doctor]2178-doctor ' ? What are [you]0-i here for ? Did [she]2179-she get [you]0-i in to have a look at [me]0-i ? " [He]379-riddle was pointing at the door through which [Mrs. Cole]419-mrs. cole had just left . "[2179-she] No , no , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , smiling . "[2179-she] [I]0-i do n't believe [you]0-i , " said [Riddle]379-riddle . "[0-i] [She]2179-she wants [me]0-i looked at , does n't [she]2179-she ? Tell the truth ! " [He]379-riddle spoke the last three words with a ringing force that was almost shocking . It was a command , and it sounded as though [he]379-riddle had given it many times before . [His]379-riddle eyes had widened and [he]379-riddle was glaring at [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , who made no response except to continue smiling pleasantly . After a few seconds [Riddle]379-riddle stopped glaring , though [he]379-riddle looked , if anything , warier still . "[2179-she] Who are [you]0-i ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i have told [you]0-i . [My]0-i name is [Professor Dumbledore]146-dumbledore and [I]0-i work at [a school called [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts]2180-a school called hogwarts . [I]0-i have come to offer [you]0-i a place at [[my]0-i school]5560-my school ? [[your]0-i new school]2182-your new school , if [you]0-i would like to come . " [Riddle]379-riddle 's reaction to this was most surprising . [He]379-riddle leapt from the bed and backed away from [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , looking furious . "[0-i] [You]0-i ca n't kid [me]0-i ! [The asylum]2183-the asylum , that 's where [you]0-i 're from , is n't it ? ' [Professor]4626-professor , ' yes , of course ? well , [I]0-i 'm not going , see ? [That old cat]2185-that old cat 's [the one who should be in [the asylum]2183-the asylum]2186-the one who should be in the asylum . [I]0-i never did anything to little [Amy Benson]422-amy benson or [Dennis Bishop]423-dennis bishop , and [you]0-i can ask [them]2188-them , [they]2188-them 'll tell [you]0-i ! " [I]146-dumbledore am not from [the asylum]2183-the asylum , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore patiently . " [I]146-dumbledore am [a teacher]4686-a teacher and , if [you]0-i will sit down calmly , [I]146-dumbledore shall tell [you]0-i about [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts . Of course , if [you]0-i would rather not come to [the school]1525-the school , [nobody]687-nobody will force [you]0-i ? quot ; "[146-dumbledore] [I]0-i 'd like to see [them]2188-them try , " sneered [Riddle]379-riddle . "[0-i] [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore went on , as though [he]146-dumbledore had not heard [Riddle]379-riddle 's last words , "[0-i] is [a school for [people with special abilities]2190-people with special abilities]2189-a school for people with special abilities ? quot ; " [I]0-i 'm not mad ! "[0-i] " [I]379-riddle know that [you]379-riddle are not mad . [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts is not [a school for [mad people]5595-mad people]5594-a school for mad people . It is a school of magic . "[379-riddle] There was silence . [Riddle]379-riddle had frozen , [his]379-riddle face expressionless , but [his]379-riddle eyes were flickering back and forth between each of [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's , as though trying to catch one of [them]2188-them lying . " Magic ? "[379-riddle] [he]379-riddle repeated in a whisper . " That 's right , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [It]5596-it 's . . . it 's magic , what [I]146-dumbledore can do ? "[146-dumbledore] " What is it that [you]379-riddle can do ? "[379-riddle] " All sorts , "[379-riddle] breathed [Riddle]379-riddle . A flush of excitement was rising up [his]379-riddle neck into [his]379-riddle hollow cheeks ; [he]379-riddle looked fevered . " [I]379-riddle can make filings move without touching them . [I]379-riddle can make animals do what [I]379-riddle want [them]2188-them to do , without training [them]2188-them . [I]379-riddle can make bad things happen to people who annoy [me]379-riddle . [I]379-riddle can make [them]2188-them hurt if [I]379-riddle want to . "[379-riddle] [His]379-riddle legs were trembling . [He]379-riddle stumbled forward and sat down on the bed again , staring at [his]379-riddle hands , [his]379-riddle head bowed as though in prayer . " [I]379-riddle knew [I]379-riddle was different , "[379-riddle] [he]379-riddle whispered to [his]379-riddle own quivering fingers . " [I]379-riddle knew [I]379-riddle was special . Always , [I]379-riddle knew there was something . "[379-riddle] " Well , [you]379-riddle were quite right , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , who was no longer smiling , but watching [Riddle]379-riddle intently . " [You]379-riddle are [a wizard]4450-a wizard . "[379-riddle] [Riddle]379-riddle lifted [his]379-riddle head . [His]379-riddle face was transfigured : There was a wild happiness upon it , yet for some reason it did not make [him]379-riddle better looking ; on the contrary , [his]379-riddle finely carved features seemed somehow rougher , [his]379-riddle expression almost bestial . " Are [you]379-riddle [a wizard]4450-a wizard too ? "[379-riddle] " Yes , [I]379-riddle am . "[379-riddle] " Prove it , "[379-riddle] said [Riddle]379-riddle at once , in the same commanding tone [he]379-riddle had used when [he]379-riddle had said , " Tell the truth . "[379-riddle] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore raised [his]146-dumbledore eyebrows . " If , as [I]146-dumbledore take it , [you]379-riddle are accepting [your]379-riddle place at [Hogwarts?quot]91-hogwarts?quot ; "[146-dumbledore] Of course [I]0-i am ! " "[146-dumbledore] Then [you]146-dumbledore will address [me]0-i as ' [Professor]4626-professor ' or ' [sir]985-sir . ' " [Riddle]379-riddle 's expression hardened for the most fleeting moment before [he]379-riddle said , in an unrecognizably polite voice , "[146-dumbledore] [I]0-i 'm sorry , [sir]985-sir . [I]0-i meant ? please , [Professor]4626-professor , could [you]985-sir show [me]0-i ? ? " [Harry]136-harry was sure that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was going to refuse , that [he]146-dumbledore would tell [Riddle]379-riddle there would be plenty of time for practical demonstrations at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , that [they]5599-they were currently in [a building full of Muggles]5600-a building full of muggles and must therefore be cautious . To [his]146-dumbledore great surprise , however , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore drew [his]146-dumbledore wand from an inside pocket of [his]146-dumbledore suit jacket , pointed it at the shabby wardrobe in the corner , and gave the wand a casual flick . [The wardrobe]5601-the wardrobe burst into flames . [Riddle]379-riddle jumped to [his]379-riddle feet ; [Harry]136-harry could hardly blame [him]379-riddle for howling in shock and rage ; all [his]379-riddle worldly possessions must be in there . But even as [Riddle]379-riddle rounded on [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , the flames vanished , leaving the wardrobe completely undamaged . [Riddle]379-riddle stared from [the wardrobe]5601-the wardrobe to [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ; then , [his]379-riddle expression greedy , [he]379-riddle pointed at the wand . "[985-sir] Where can [I]0-i get one of [them]2195-them ? " "[985-sir] All in good time , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[985-sir] [I]0-i think there is something trying to get out of [your]0-i wardrobe . " And sure enough , a faint rattling could be heard from inside it . For the first time , [Riddle]379-riddle looked frightened . "[0-i] Open the door , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . [Riddle]379-riddle hesitated , then crossed [the room]685-the room and threw open the wardrobe door . On the topmost shelf , above a rail of threadbare clothes , a small cardboard box was shaking and rattling as though there were several frantic mice trapped inside it . "[0-i] Take it out , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . [Riddle]379-riddle took down the quaking box . [He]379-riddle looked unnerved . "[0-i] Is there anything in that box that [you]0-i ought not to have ? " asked [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . [Riddle]379-riddle threw [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore a long , clear , calculating look . "[0-i] Yes , [I]0-i suppose so , [sir]985-sir , " [he]0-i said finally , in an expressionless voice . "[985-sir] Open it , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . [Riddle]379-riddle took off the lid and tipped the contents onto [his]379-riddle bed without looking at [them]2197-them . [Harry]136-harry , who had expected something much more exciting , saw a mess of small , everyday objects : a yo - yo , a silver thimble , and a tarnished mouth organ among them . Once free of the box , [they]2197-them stopped quivering and lay quite still upon the thin blankets . "[985-sir] [You]0-i will return [them]2197-them to [[their]2197-them owners]2198-their owners with [your]0-i apologies , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore calmly , putting [his]146-dumbledore wand back into [his]146-dumbledore jacket . "[0-i] [I]0-i shall know whether it has been done . And be warned : Thieving is not tolerated at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts . " [Riddle]379-riddle did not look remotely abashed ; [he]379-riddle was still staring coldly and appraisingly at [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . At last [he]379-riddle said in a colorless voice , "[985-sir] Yes , [sir]985-sir . " "[985-sir] At [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore went on , "[2200-our] [we]2200-our teach [you]0-i not only to use magic , but to control it . [You]0-i have ? inadvertently , [I]0-i am sure ? been using [your]0-i powers in a way that is neither taught nor tolerated at [[our]2200-our school]5563-our school . [You]0-i are not the first , nor will [you]0-i be the last , to allow [your]0-i magic to run away with [you]0-i . But [you]0-i should know that [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts can expel [students]967-students , and [the Ministry of Magic]716-the ministry of magic ? yes , there is [a Ministry]2204-a ministry ? will punish [lawbreakers]2205-lawbreakers still more severely . [All new wizards]2206-all new wizards must accept that , in entering [[our]2200-our world]2207-our world , [they]2206-all new wizards abide by [our]2200-our laws . " "[985-sir] Yes , [sir]985-sir , " said [Riddle]379-riddle again . It was impossible to tell what [he]379-riddle was thinking ; [his]379-riddle face remained quite blank as [he]379-riddle put the little cache of stolen objects back into the cardboard box . When [he]379-riddle had finished , [he]379-riddle turned to [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore and said baldly , "[985-sir] [I]0-i have n't got any money . " "[985-sir] That is easily remedied , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , drawing a leather money - pouch from [his]146-dumbledore pocket . "[985-sir] There is a fund at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts for [those who require assistance to buy books and robes]2209-those who require assistance to buy books and robes . [You]985-sir might have to buy some of [your]985-sir spellbooks and so on secondhand , but ? quot ; " Where do [you]379-riddle buy spellbooks ? "[379-riddle] interrupted [Riddle]379-riddle , who had taken the heavy money bag without thanking [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , and was now examining a fat gold Galleon , " In [Diagon Alley]34-diagon alley , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [I]146-dumbledore have [your]379-riddle list of books and school equipment with [me]146-dumbledore . [I]146-dumbledore can help [you]379-riddle find everything ? quot ; "[146-dumbledore] [You]379-riddle 're coming with [me]0-i ? " asked [Riddle]379-riddle , looking up . "[146-dumbledore] Certainly , if [you]379-riddle ? quot ; " [I]379-riddle do n't need [you]379-riddle , "[379-riddle] said [Riddle]379-riddle . " [I]379-riddle 'm used to doing things for [myself]379-riddle , [I]379-riddle go round [London]60-london on [my]379-riddle own all the time . How do [you]379-riddle get to [this Diagon Alley]5604-this diagon alley ? [sir]985-sir ? "[379-riddle] [he]379-riddle added , catching [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's eye . [Harry]136-harry thought that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore would insist upon accompanying [Riddle]379-riddle , but once again [he]136-harry was surprised . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore handed [Riddle]379-riddle the envelope containing [his]146-dumbledore list of equipment , and after telling [Riddle]379-riddle exactly how to get to [the Leaky Cauldron from [the orphanage]2147-the orphanage]2210-the leaky cauldron from the orphanage , [he]146-dumbledore said , " [You]379-riddle will be able to see it , although [Muggles]143-muggles around [you]379-riddle ? [non - magical people]5606-non - magical people , that is ? will not . Ask for [Tom the barman]379-riddle ? easy enough to remember , as [he]379-riddle shares [your]379-riddle name ? quot ; [Riddle]379-riddle gave an irritable twitch , as though trying to displace an irksome fly . "[146-dumbledore] [You]379-riddle dislike the name ' [Tom]379-riddle ' ? " "[146-dumbledore] There are a lot of [Toms]427-toms , " muttered [Riddle]379-riddle . Then , as though [he]379-riddle could not suppress the question , as though it burst from [him]379-riddle in spite of [himself]379-riddle , [he]379-riddle asked , "[427-toms] Was [[my]0-i father]5086-my father [a wizard]4450-a wizard ? [He]5086-my father was called [Tom Riddle]379-riddle too , [they]2214-they 've told [me]0-i . " "[2214-they] [I]0-i 'm afraid [I]0-i do n't know , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , [his]146-dumbledore voice gentle . "[0-i] [[My]0-i mother]4685-my mother ca n't have been magic , or [she]4685-my mother would n't have died , " said [Riddle]379-riddle , more to [himself]379-riddle than [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[5086-my father] It must 've been [him]5086-my father . So ? when [I]0-i 've got all [my]0-i stuff?when do [I]0-i come to [this Hogwarts]14-hogwarts ? " "[5086-my father] All the details are on the second piece of parchment in [your]0-i envelope , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[5086-my father] [You]0-i will leave from [King 's Cross Station]55-king 's cross station on the first of September . There is [a train]2216-a train ticket in [there]4506-there too . " [Riddle]379-riddle nodded . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore got to [his]146-dumbledore feet and held out [his]146-dumbledore hand again . Taking it , [Riddle]379-riddle said , "[0-i] [I]0-i can speak to [snakes]2218-snakes . [I]0-i found out when [we]2219-they 've been to [the country]4344-the country on trips ? [they]2218-snakes find [me]0-i , [they]2218-snakes whisper to [me]0-i . Is that normal for [a wizard]4450-a wizard ? " [Harry]136-harry could tell that [he]146-dumbledore had withheld mention of this strangest power until that moment , determined to impress . "[2218-snakes] It is unusual , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , after a moment 's hesitation , "[2218-snakes] but not unheard of . " [His]146-dumbledore tone was casual but [his]146-dumbledore eyes moved curiously over [Riddle]379-riddle 's face . [They]2219-they stood for a moment , [man]5284-man and [boy]5320-boy , staring at [each other]4377-each other . Then the handshake was broken ; [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was at the door . "[2218-snakes] Good - bye , [Tom]379-riddle . [I]0-i shall see [you]379-riddle at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts . " "[0-i] [I]0-i think that will do , " said [the white - haired Dumbledore]5610-the white - haired dumbledore at [Harry]136-harry 's side , and seconds later , [they]2219-they were soaring weightlessly through darkness once more , before landing squarely in [the present - day office]5611-the present - day office . "[0-i] Sit down , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , landing beside [Harry]136-harry . [Harry]136-harry obeyed , [his]136-harry mind still full of what [he]136-harry had just seen . "[2222-he] [He]2222-he believed it much quicker than [I]0-i did ? [I]0-i mean , when [you]0-i told [him]2222-he [he]2222-he was [a wizard]4450-a wizard , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[0-i] [I]0-i did n't believe [Hagrid]218-hagrid at first , when [he]2222-he told [me]0-i . " "[2222-he] Yes , [Riddle]379-riddle was perfectly ready to believe that [he]2222-he was ? to use [his]2222-he word ? ' special , ' " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[2222-he] Did [you]0-i know ? then ? " asked [Harry]136-harry . "[0-i] Did [I]0-i know that [I]0-i had just met [the most dangerous Dark wizard of all time]2224-the most dangerous dark wizard of all time ? " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[0-i] No , [I]0-i had no idea that [he]2222-he was to grow up to be what [he]2222-he is . However , [I]0-i was certainly intrigued by [him]2222-he . [I]0-i returned to [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts intending to keep an eye upon [him]2222-he , something [I]0-i should have done in any case , given that [he]2222-he was alone and friendless , but which , already , [I]0-i felt [I]0-i ought to do for [others]4568-others ' sake as much as [his]2222-he . " [His]2222-he powers , as [you]5612-you heard , were surprisingly well - developed for such [a young wizard]5613-a young wizard and ? most interestingly and ominously of all ? [he]2222-he had already discovered that [he]2222-he had some measure of control over [them]5614-them , and begun to use [them]5614-them consciously . And as [you]5612-you saw , they were not the random experiments typical of [young wizards]5615-young wizards : [He]2222-he was already using magic against [other people]5616-other people , to frighten , to punish , to control . The little stories of the strangled rabbit and [the young boy]5617-the young boy and girl [he]2222-he lured into [a cave]1107-a cave were most suggestive . . . . ' [I]136-harry can make [them]5614-them hurt if [I]136-harry want to . . . . ' "[136-harry] " And [he]2222-he was [a Parselmouth]5619-a parselmouth , "[136-harry] interjected [Harry]136-harry . " Yes , indeed ; a rare ability , and one supposedly connected with the Dark Arts , although as [we]2226-we know , there are [Parselmouths among the great and the good too]5620-parselmouths among the great and the good too . In fact , [his]2222-he ability to speak to serpents did not make [me]136-harry nearly as uneasy as [his]2222-he obvious instincts for cruelty , secrecy , and domination . "[136-harry] Time is making fools of [us]2226-we again , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , indicating the dark sky beyond the windows . "[136-harry] But before [we]2226-we part , [I]0-i want to draw [your]2227-your attention to certain features of the scene [we]2226-we have just witnessed , for they have a great bearing on the matters [we]2226-we shall be discussing in future meetings . " Firstly , [I]136-harry hope [you]2227-your noticed [Riddle]379-riddle 's reaction when [I]136-harry mentioned that another shared [his]379-riddle first name , ' [Tom]379-riddle ' ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry nodded . " There [he]379-riddle showed [his]379-riddle contempt for anything that tied [him]379-riddle to [other people]5616-other people , anything that made [him]379-riddle ordinary . Even then , [he]379-riddle wished to be different , separate , notorious . [He]379-riddle shed [his]379-riddle name , as [you]136-harry know , within a few short years of that conversation and created the mask of [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort ' behind which [he]379-riddle has been hidden for so long . "[136-harry] [I]0-i trust that [you]136-harry also noticed that [Tom Riddle]379-riddle was already highly self - sufficient , secretive , and , apparently , friendless ? [He]379-riddle did not want help or companionship on [his]379-riddle trip to [Diagon Alley]34-diagon alley . [He]379-riddle preferred to operate alone . [The adult Voldemort]192-voldemort is the same . [You]136-harry will hear [many of [[his]379-riddle Death Eaters]2229-his death eaters]2228-many of his death eaters claiming that [they]2228-many of his death eaters are in [his]379-riddle confidence , that [they]2228-many of his death eaters alone are close to [him]379-riddle , even understand [him]379-riddle . [They]2228-many of his death eaters are deluded . [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort has never had [a friend]4731-a friend , nor do [I]0-i believe that [he]379-riddle has ever wanted one . " And lastly ? [I]379-riddle hope [you]136-harry are not too sleepy to pay attention to this , [Harry]136-harry ? [the young Tom Riddle]379-riddle liked to collect trophies . [You]136-harry saw the box of stolen articles [he]379-riddle had hidden in [[his]379-riddle room]5622-his room . These were taken from victims of [his]379-riddle bullying behavior , souvenirs , if [you]136-harry will , of particularly unpleasant bits of magic . [Bear]428-bear in mind this magpie - like tendency , for this , particularly , will be important later . "[379-riddle] And now , it really is time for bed . " [Harry]136-harry got to [his]136-harry feet . As [he]379-riddle walked across [the room]685-the room , [his]379-riddle eyes fell [I]136-harry upon the little table on which [Marvolo Gaunt]378-marvolo 's ring had rested last [I]136-harry time , but the ring was no longer there . "[136-harry] Yes , [Harry]136-harry ? " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , for [Harry]136-harry had come to a halt . [I]136-harry "[136-harry] The ring 's gone , " said [Harry]136-harry , looking around . "[136-harry] But [I]0-i thought [I]0-i [you]0-i might have the mouth organ or something . " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore beamed at [him]136-harry , peering over the top of [[his]379-riddle hall]5624-his hall ' moon spectacles . "[136-harry] Very astute , [Harry]136-harry , but the mouth organ was only ever a mouth organ . " And on that enigmatic note [he]146-dumbledore waved to [Harry]136-harry , who understood [himself]136-harry to be dismissed .[136-harry] Chapter 14 : [Felix felicis Harry]136-harry had [Herbology]74-herbology first thing the following morning . [He]136-harry had been unable to tell [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione about [his]136-harry lesson with [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore over breakfast for fear of being over - heard , but [he]136-harry filled [them]2231-them in as [they]2231-them walked across [the vegetable patch]2232-the vegetable patch toward [the greenhouses]1897-the greenhouses . The weekend ’s brutal wind had died out at last ; the weird mist had returned and it took [them]2231-them a little longer than usual to find [the correct greenhouse]2234-the correct greenhouse . " Wow , scary thought , [the boy [You]136-harry - Know - Who]5625-the boy you - know - who , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron qui - etly , as [they]2231-them took [their]2231-them places around one of the gnarled Snargaluff stumps that formed this terms project , and began pulling on [their]2231-them protective gloves . " But [I]217-ron still do n't get why [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's showing [you]136-harry all this . [I]217-ron mean , it 's really interesting and everything , but what 's the point ? "[217-ron] " Dunno , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , inserting a gum shield . " But [he]146-dumbledore says its all important and it 'll help [me]136-harry survive . "[136-harry] " [I]194-hermione think it 's fascinating , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione earnestly . " It makes absolute sense to know as much about [Voldemort]192-voldemort as possible . How else will [you]194-hermione find out [his]192-voldemort weaknesses ? "[194-hermione] " So how was [Slughorn]216-slughorn 's latest party ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry asked [her]194-hermione thickly through the gum shield . " Oh , it was quite fun , really , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , now putting on protective goggles . " [I]194-hermione mean , [he]146-dumbledore drones on about famous exploits a bit , and [he]146-dumbledore absolutely fawns on [McLaggen]302-mclaggen because [he]146-dumbledore 's so well connected , but [he]146-dumbledore gave [us]5626-us some really nice food and [he]146-dumbledore introduced [us]5626-us to [Gwenog Jones]212-gwenog jones . "[194-hermione] " [Gwenog Jones]212-gwenog jones ? "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , [his]217-ron eyes widening under [his]217-ron own goggles . " [The Gwenog Jones]212-gwenog jones ? [Captain of [the Holyhead Harpies]213-the holyhead harpies]1477-captain of the holyhead harpies ? "[217-ron] " That 's right , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione . " Personally , [I]194-hermione thought [she]1477-captain of the holyhead harpies was a bit full of [herself]1477-captain of the holyhead harpies , but — "[194-hermione] " Quite enough chat over here ! "[344-professor sprout] said [Professor Sprout]344-professor sprout briskly , bustling over and looking stern . " [You]2235-we 're lagging behind , [everybody else]5199-everybody else has started , and [Neville]174-neville 's already got [his]174-neville first pod ! "[344-professor sprout] [They]2235-we looked around ; sure enough , there sat [Neville]174-neville with a bloody lip and several nasty scratches along the side of [his]174-neville face , but clutching an unpleasantly pulsating green object about the size of a grapefruit . " Okay , [Professor]344-professor sprout , [we]2235-we 're starting now ! "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , adding quietly , when [she]194-hermione had turned away again , " should ve used Muffliato , [Harry]136-harry . "[194-hermione] " No , [we]2235-we should n't ! "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione at once , looking , as [she]194-hermione always did , intensely cross at the thought of [the Half - Blood Prince]649-the half - blood prince and [his]649-the half - blood prince spells . " Well , come on ... [we]2235-we 'd better get going . ... "[194-hermione] [She]194-hermione gave [the other two]1385-the other two an apprehensive look ; [they]1385-the other two all took deep breaths and then dived at the gnarled stump between [them]1385-the other two . It sprang to life at once ; long , prickly , bramblelike vines flew out of the top and whipped through the air . One tangled itself in [Hermione]194-hermione 's hair , and [Ron]217-ron beat it back with a pair of secateurs ; [Harry]136-harry succeeded in trapping a couple of vines and knotting them together ; a hole opened in the middle of all the tentaclelike branches ; [Hermione]194-hermione plunged [her]194-hermione arm bravely into this hole , which closed like a trap around [her]194-hermione elbow ; [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron tugged and wrenched at the vines , forcing the hole to open again , and [Hermi]384-hermi - one snatched [her]384-hermi arm free , clutching in [her]384-hermi fingers a pod just like [Neville]174-neville 's . At once , the prickly vines shot back inside , and the gnarled stump sat there looking like an innocently dead lump of wood . " [You]5629-you know , [I]217-ron do n't think [I]217-ron 'll be having any of these in [[my]217-ron garden]5630-my garden when [I]217-ron 've got [[my]217-ron own place]5631-my own place , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , pushing [his]217-ron goggles up onto [his]217-ron forehead and wiping sweat from [his]217-ron face . " Pass [me]194-hermione a bowl , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , holding the pulsating pod at arm 's length ; [Harry]136-harry handed one over and [she]194-hermione dropped the pod into it with a look of disgust on [her]194-hermione face . " Do n't be squeamish , squeeze it out , they 're best when [they]5632-they 're fresh ! "[344-professor sprout] called [Professor Sprout]344-professor sprout . " Anyway , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , continuing [their]2238-their interrupted conver - sation as though a lump of wood had not just attacked [them]2238-their , " [Slughorn]216-slughorn 's going to have a Christmas party , [Harry]136-harry , and there 's no way [you]136-harry 'll be able to wriggle out of this one because [he]216-slughorn actually asked [me]136-harry to check [your]136-harry free evenings , so [he]216-slughorn could be sure to have it on a night [you]136-harry can come . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry groaned . Meanwhile , [Ron]217-ron , who was attempting to burst the pod in the bowl by putting both hands on it , standing up , and squashing it as hard as [he]217-ron could , said angrily , " And this is another party just for [[Slughorn]216-slughorn 's favorites]5633-slughorn 's favorites , is it ? "[217-ron] " Just for [the Slug Club]1387-the slug club , yes , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione . The pod flew out from under [Ron]217-ron 's fingers and hit the green house glass , rebounding onto the back of [Professor Sprout]344-professor sprout 's head and knocking off [her]194-hermione old , patched hat . [Harry]136-harry went to retrieve the pod ; when [he]136-harry got back , [Hermione]194-hermione was saying , " Look , [I]194-hermione did n't make up the name ' [Slug Club]5635-slug club ' — "[194-hermione] " ' Slug Club,'"repeated[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron with a sneer worthy of [Malfoy]170-malfoy . " It 's pathetic . Well , [I]194-hermione hope [you]136-harry enjoy [your]136-harry party . Why do n't [you]136-harry try hooking up with [McLaggen]302-mclaggen , then [Slughorn]216-slughorn can make [you]136-harry [King]431-king and [Queen Slug]432-queen slug — "[194-hermione] " [We]827-the pair of them 're allowed to bring [guests]4480-guests , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , who for some reason had turned a bright , boiling scarlet , " and [I]194-hermione was going to ask [you]136-harry to come , but if [you]136-harry think it 's that stupid then [I]194-hermione wo n't bother ! "[194-hermione] [Harry]136-harry suddenly wished the pod had flown a little farther , so that [he]136-harry need not have been sitting here with [the pair of [them]827-the pair of them]827-the pair of them . Unno - ticed by either , [he]136-harry seized the bowl that contained the pod and be - gan to try and open it by the noisiest and most energetic means [he]136-harry could think of ; unfortunately , [he]136-harry could still hear every word of [their]827-the pair of them conversation . " [You]136-harry were going to ask [me]217-ron ? "[217-ron] asked [Ron]217-ron , in a completely differ - ent voice . " Yes , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione angrily . " But obviously if [you]136-harry 'd rather 1 hooked up with [McLaggen]302-mclaggen ... "[194-hermione] There was a pause while [Harry]136-harry continued to pound the resilient pod with a trowel . " No , [I]217-ron would n't , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , in a very quiet voice . [Harry]136-harry missed the pod , hit the bowl , and shattered it . ‘ " [Reparo]373-reparo , "[136-harry] ' [he]136-harry said hastily , poking the pieces with [his]136-harry wand , and the bowl sprang back together again . The crash , however , appeared to have awoken [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione to [Harry]136-harry 's presence . [Hermione]194-hermione looked flustered and immediately started fussing about for [her]194-hermione copy of “ Flesh - Eating Trees of [the World]93-the world ”[136-harry] to find out the correct way to juice Snargaluff pods ; [Ron]217-ron , on the other hand , looked sheepish but also rather pleased with [himself]217-ron . " Hand that over , [Harry]136-harry , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione hurriedly . " It says [we]5637-we 're supposed to puncture them with something sharp . . . . "[194-hermione] [Harry]136-harry passed [her]194-hermione the pod in the bowl ; [he]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron both snapped [their]2240-their goggles back over [their]2240-their eyes and dived , once more , for the stump . It was not as though [he]136-harry was really surprised , thought [Harry]136-harry , as [he]136-harry wrestled with a thorny vine intent upon throttling [him]136-harry ; [he]136-harry had had an inkling that this might happen sooner or later . But [he]136-harry was not sure how [he]136-harry felt about it . ... [He]136-harry and [Cho]298-cho were now too em - barrassed to look at [each other]4377-each other , let alone talk to [each other]4377-each other ; what if [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione started going out together , then split up ? Could [their]2240-their friendship survive it ? [Harry]136-harry remembered the few weeks when [they]2240-their had not been talking to [each other]4377-each other in the third year ; [he]136-harry had not enjoyed trying to bridge the distance between [them]2240-their . And then , what if [they]2240-their did n't split up ? What if [they]2240-their became like [Bill]241-bill and [Fleur]238-fleur , and it became excruciatingly embarrassing to be in [their]2240-their presence , so that [he]136-harry was shut out for good ? " Gotcha ! "[217-ron] yelled [Ron]217-ron , pulling a second pod from the stump just as [Hermione]194-hermione managed to burst the first one open , so that the bowl was full of tubers wriggling like pale green worms . The rest of the lesson passed without further mention of [Slughorn]216-slughorn 's party . Although [Harry]136-harry watched [[his]136-harry two friends]2244-his two friends more closely over the next few days , [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione did not seem any different except that [they]2240-their were a little politer to [each other]4377-each other than usual . [Harry]136-harry supposed [he]136-harry would just have to wait to see what happened under the influence of butterbeer in [[Slughorn]216-slughorn 's dimly lit room]2246-slughorn 's dimly lit room on the night of the party . In the meantime , however , [he]136-harry had more pressing worries . [Katie Bell]153-katie was still in [[St. Mungo]150-st. mungo 's Hospital]89-st. mungo 's hospital with no prospect of leaving , which meant that [the promising Gryffindor team [Harry]136-harry]2247-the promising gryffindor team harry had been training so carefully since [September]433-september was one Chaser short . [He]136-harry kept putting off replacing [Katie]153-katie in the hope that [she]153-katie would return , but [their]2244-his two friends opening match against [Slytherin]204-slytherin was loom - ing , and [he]136-harry finally had to accept that [she]153-katie would not be back in time to play . [Harry]136-harry did not think [he]136-harry could stand another full - House tryout . With a sinking feeling that had little to do with [Quidditch]214-quidditch , [he]136-harry cor - nered [Dean Thomas]261-dean after Transfiguration one day . [Most of [the class]1633-the class]2248-most of the class had already left , although several twittering yellow birds were still zooming around [the room]685-the room , all of [Hermione]194-hermione 's creation ; [nobody else]5071-nobody else had succeeded in conjuring so much as a feather from thin air . " Are [you]261-dean still interested in playing [Chaser]434-slytherin ? "[261-dean] " Wha — ? Yeah , of course ! "[261-dean] said [Dean]261-dean excitedly . Over [Dean]261-dean ’s shoulder , [Harry]136-harry saw [Seamus Finnegan]330-seamus slamming [his]330-seamus books into [his]330-seamus bag , looking sour . One of the reasons why [Harry]136-harry would have pre - ferred not to have to ask [Dean]261-dean to play was that [he]136-harry knew [Seamus]330-seamus would not like it . On the other hand , [he]136-harry had to do what was best for [the team]4847-the team , and [Dean]261-dean had outflown [Seamus]330-seamus at the tryouts . " Well then , [you]261-dean 're in , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " There 's a practice tonight , seven o'clock . "[136-harry] " Right , "[261-dean] said [Dean]261-dean . " Cheers , [Harry]136-harry ! [Blimey]246-blimey , [I]261-dean ca n't wait to tell [Ginny]236-ginny ! "[261-dean] [He]261-dean sprinted out of [the room]685-the room , leaving [Harry]136-harry and [Seamus]330-seamus alone together , an uncomfortable moment made no easier when a bird dropping landed on [Seamus]330-seamus 's head as one of [Hermione]194-hermione 's canaries whizzed over [them]2254-them . [Seamus]330-seamus was not [the only person disgruntled by the choice of [[Katie]153-katie ’s substitute]2256-katie ’s substitute]2255-the only person disgruntled by the choice of katie ’s substitute . There was much muttering in [the common room]1602-the common room about the fact that [Harry]136-harry had now chosen [two of [[his]136-harry class]2259-his class - mates for [the team]4847-the team]2258-two of his class - mates for the team . As [Harry]136-harry had endured much worse mutterings than this in [his]136-harry school career , [he]136-harry was not particularly bothered , but all the same , the pressure was increasing to provide a win in the upcoming match against [Slytherin]434-slytherin . If [Gryffindor]205-gryffindor won , [Harry]136-harry knew that [the whole House]2261-the whole house would forget that [they]2261-the whole house had criticized [him]136-harry and swear that [they]2261-the whole house had always known it was [a great team]2262-a great team . If [they]2261-the whole house lost . . . well , [Harry]136-harry thought wryly , [he]136-harry had still endured worse mutterings . . . . [Harry]136-harry had no reason to regret [his]136-harry choice once [he]136-harry saw [Dean]261-dean fly that evening ; [he]136-harry worked well with [Ginny]236-ginny and [Demelza]392-demelza . [The Beaters]394-the rejected beaters , [Peakes]395-peakes and [Coote]397-coote , were getting better all the time . The only problem was [Ron]217-ron . [Harry]136-harry had known all along that [Ron]217-ron was [an inconsistent player who suffered from nerves and a lack of confidence]2263-an inconsistent player who suffered from nerves and a lack of confidence , and unfortu - nately , the looming prospect of the opening game of the season seemed to have brought out all [his]217-ron old insecurities . After letting in half a dozen goals , most of them scored by [Ginny]236-ginny , [his]217-ron technique became wilder and wilder , until [he]217-ron finally punched an oncoming [Demelza Robins]392-demelza in the mouth . " It was an accident , [I]217-ron 'm sorry , [Demelza]392-demelza , really sorry ! "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron shouted after [her]236-ginny as [she]236-ginny zigzagged back to the ground , dripping blood everywhere . " [I]217-ron just — "[217-ron] " Panicked , "[236-ginny] [Ginny]236-ginny said angrily , landing next to [Demelza]392-demelza and examining [her]236-ginny fat lip . " [You]217-ron prat , [Ron]217-ron , look at the state of [her]236-ginny ! "[236-ginny] " [I]136-harry can fix that , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , landing beside [the two girls]2060-the two girls , pointing [his]136-harry wand at [Demelzas]435-demelzas mouth , and saying " Episkey . "[136-harry] " And [Ginny]236-ginny , do n't call [Ron]217-ron a prat , [you]236-ginny 're not [the Captain of [this team]5639-this team]5638-the captain of this team — "[136-harry] " Well , [you]236-ginny seemed too busy to call [him]217-ron a prat and [I]136-harry thought [someone]5066-someone should — "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry forced [himself]136-harry not to laugh . " In the air , [everyone]4750-everyone , let 's go . . . . "[136-harry] Overall it was one of the worst practices [they]2060-the two girls had had all term , though [Harry]136-harry did not feel that honesty was the best policy when [they]2060-the two girls were this close to the match . " Good work , [everyone]4750-everyone , [I]136-harry think [we]2060-the two girls 'll flatten [Slytherin]434-slytherin , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said bracingly , and [the Chasers and Beaters]2265-the chasers and beaters left [the changing room]2266-the changing room looking reasonably happy with [themselves]2265-the chasers and beaters . " [I]217-ron played like a sack of dragon dung , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron in a hollow voice when the door had swung shut behind [Ginny]236-ginny . " No , [you]217-ron did n't , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry firmly . " [You]217-ron 're [the best Keeper]5643-the best keeper [I]136-harry tried out , [Ron]217-ron . [Your]217-ron only problem is nerves . "[136-harry] [He]136-harry kept up a relentless flow of encouragement all the way back to [the castle]4540-the castle , and by the time [they]2268-they reached [the second floor]4774-the second floor , [Ron]217-ron was looking marginally more cheerful . When [Harry]136-harry pushed open the tapestry to take [their]2268-they usual shortcut up to [Gryffindor Tower]78-gryffindor tower , however , [they]2268-they found [themselves]2268-they looking at [Dean]261-dean and [Ginny]236-ginny , who were locked in a close embrace and kissing fiercely as though glued together . It was as though something large and scaly erupted into life in [Harry]136-harry 's stomach , clawing at [his]136-harry insides : Hot blood seemed to flood [his]136-harry brain , so that all thought was extinguished , replaced by a savage urge to jinx [Dean]261-dean into a jelly . Wrestling with this sudden madness , [he]136-harry heard [Ron]217-ron 's voice as though from a great distance away . “ Oi ! ”[217-ron] [Dean]261-dean and [Ginny]236-ginny broke apart and looked around . " What ? "[236-ginny] said [Ginny]236-ginny . " [I]236-ginny do n't want to find [[my]236-ginny own sister]5644-my own sister snogging [people]681-people in public ! "[236-ginny] " [This]5646-this was [a deserted corridor]5647-a deserted corridor till [you]136-harry came butting in ! "[236-ginny] said [Ginny]236-ginny . [Dean]261-dean was looking embarrassed . [He]261-dean gave [Harry]136-harry a shifty grin that [Harry]136-harry did not return , as the newborn monster inside [him]261-dean was roar - ing for [Dean]261-dean 's instant dismissal from [the team]4847-the team . " Er . . . c'm on , [Ginny]236-ginny , "[261-dean] said [Dean]261-dean , " let 's go back to [the common room]1602-the common room . ... "[261-dean] " [You]136-harry go ! "[236-ginny] said [Ginny]236-ginny . " [I]261-dean want a word with [[my]261-dean dear brother]5649-my dear brother ! "[261-dean] [Dean]261-dean left , looking as though [he]261-dean was not sorry to depart the scene . " Right , "[236-ginny] said [Ginny]236-ginny , tossing [her]236-ginny long red hair out of [her]236-ginny face and glaring at [Ron]217-ron , " let 's get this straight once and for all . It is none of [your]217-ron business who [I]236-ginny go out with or what [I]236-ginny do with [them]5650-them , [Ron]217-ron — "[236-ginny] " Yeah , it is ! "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , just as angrily . " D ' [you]217-ron think [I]217-ron want peo - ple saying [[my]217-ron sister]5651-my sister 's a — "[217-ron] " A what ? "[236-ginny] shouted [Ginny]236-ginny , drawing [her]236-ginny wand . " A what , exactly ? "[236-ginny] " [He]136-harry does n't mean anything , [Ginny]236-ginny — "[136-harry] said [Harry automati - cally]136-harry , though [the monster]2271-the monster was roaring its approval of [Ron]217-ron 's words . " Oh yes [he]136-harry does ! "[236-ginny] [she]236-ginny said , flaring up at [Harry]136-harry . " Just because [he]136-harry 's never snogged [anyone]660-anyone in [his]136-harry life , just because the best kiss [he]136-harry 's ever had is from [our]5653-our Auntie [Muriel]436-muriel — "[236-ginny] " Shut [your]236-ginny mouth ! "[217-ron] bellowed [Ron]217-ron , bypassing red and turning maroon . " No , [I]236-ginny will not ! "[236-ginny] yelled [Ginny]236-ginny , beside [herself]236-ginny . " [I]236-ginny 've seen [you]217-ron with [Phlegm]136-harry , hoping [she]436-muriel 'll kiss [you]217-ron on the cheek every time [you]217-ron see [her]436-muriel , it 's pathetic ! If [you]217-ron went out and got a bit of snogging done [your]217-ron self , [you]217-ron would n't mind so much that [everyone else]1936-everyone else does it ! "[236-ginny] [Ron]217-ron had pulled out [his]217-ron wand too ; [Harry]136-harry stepped swiftly between [them]2272-them . " [You]236-ginny do n't know what [you]236-ginny 're talking about ! "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron roared , trying to get a clear shot at [Ginny]236-ginny around [Harry]136-harry , who was now standing in front of [her]236-ginny with [his]136-harry arms outstretched . " Just because [I]236-ginny do n't do it in public — ! "[236-ginny] [Ginny]236-ginny screamed with derisive laughter , trying to push [Harry]136-harry out of the way . " Been kissing [Pigwidgeon]267-pigwidgeon , have [you]236-ginny ? Or have [you]236-ginny got a picture of [Auntie Muriel]436-muriel stashed under [your]236-ginny pillow ? "[236-ginny] [You]2273-you — A streak of orange light flew under [Harrys]269-harrys left arm and missed [Ginny]236-ginny by inches ; [Harry]136-harry pushed [Ron]217-ron up against the wall . " Do n't be stupid — "[136-harry] " [Harry]136-harry 's snogged [Cho Chang]298-cho ! "[236-ginny] shouted [Ginny]236-ginny , who sounded close to tears now . " And [Hermione]194-hermione snogged [Viktor Krum]437-krum , it 's only [you]236-ginny who acts like it 's something disgusting , [Ron]217-ron , and that 's because [you]236-ginny 've got about as much experience as [a twelve - year - old]5655-a twelve - year - old ! "[236-ginny] And with that , [she]236-ginny stormed away . [Harry]136-harry quickly let go of [Ron]217-ron ; the look on [his]136-harry face was murderous . [They]2274-they both stood there , breath - ing heavily , until [Mrs. Norris]438-mrs. norris , [Rich]439-rich 's cat , appeared around the cor - ner , which broke the tension . " C'm on , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , as the sound of [Filch]327-filch 's shuffling feet reached [their]2274-they ears . [They]2274-they hurried up [the stairs]884-the stairs and along [a seventh - floor corridor]2276-a seventh - floor corridor . " Oi , out of the way ! "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron barked at [a small girl who jumped in fright and dropped a bottle of toadspawn]2277-a small girl who jumped in fright and dropped a bottle of toadspawn . [Harry]136-harry hardly noticed the sound of shattering glass ; [he]136-harry felt dis - oriented , dizzy ; being struck by a lightning bolt must be something like this . It 's just because [she]2277-a small girl who jumped in fright and dropped a bottle of toadspawn 's [[Ron]217-ron ’s sister]2278-ron ’s sister , [he]136-harry told [himself]136-harry . [You]2279-you just did n't like seeing [her]2277-a small girl who jumped in fright and dropped a bottle of toadspawn kissing [Dean]261-dean because [she]2277-a small girl who jumped in fright and dropped a bottle of toadspawn 's [[Ron]217-ron 's sister]2280-ron 's sister . . . . But unbidden into [his]136-harry mind came an image of [that same de - serted corridor]2281-that same de - serted corridor with [himself]136-harry kissing [Ginny]236-ginny instead . . . . The mon - ster in [his]136-harry chest purred . . . but then [he]136-harry saw [Ron]217-ron ripping open the tapestry curtain and drawing [his]217-ron wand on [Harry]136-harry , shouting things like " betrayal of trust "[217-ron] . . . " supposed to be [[my]217-ron friend]5656-my friend "[217-ron] . . . " D'you think [Hermione]194-hermione did snog [Krum]437-krum ? "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron asked abruptly , as [they]2282-they approached [the Fat Lady]493-the fat lady . [Harry]136-harry gave a guilty start and wrenched [his]136-harry imagination away from [a corridor in which no [Ron]217-ron intruded , in which [he]136-harry and [Ginny]236-ginny were quite alone]2283-a corridor in which no ron intruded , in which he and ginny were quite alone — " What ? "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said confusedly . " Oh ... er ... "[136-harry] The honest answer was " yes , "[136-harry] but [he]136-harry did not want to give it . However , [Ron]217-ron seemed to gather the worst from the look on [Harry]136-harry 's face . " Dilligrout , "[217-ron] [he]217-ron said darkly to [the Fat Lady]2094-the fat lady , and [they]2282-they climbed through the portrait hole into [the common room]1602-the common room . [Neither of [them]2282-they]2286-neither of them mentioned [Ginny]236-ginny or [Hermione]194-hermione again ; indeed , [they]2282-they barely spoke to [each other]4377-each other that evening and got into bed in [si - lence]95-si - lence , each absorbed in [his]136-harry own thoughts , [Harry]136-harry lay awake for a long time , looking up at the canopy of [his]136-harry four - poster and trying to convince [himself]136-harry that [his]136-harry feelings for [Ginny]236-ginny were entirely elder - brotherly . [They]2282-they had lived , had [they]2282-they not , like [brother]2288-brother and [sister]2289-sister all summer , playing [Quidditch]214-quidditch , teasing [Ron]217-ron , and having a laugh about [Bill]241-bill and [Phlegm]136-harry ? [He]136-harry had known [Ginny]236-ginny for years now . ... It was natural that [he]136-harry should feel protective . . . natural that [he]136-harry should want to look out for [her]236-ginny . . . want to rip [Dean]261-dean limb from limb for kissing [her]236-ginny ... No ... [he]136-harry would have to control that particular brotherly feeling . . . . [Ron]217-ron gave a great grunting snore . [She]236-ginny 's [[Ron]217-ron 's sister]2280-ron 's sister , [Harry]136-harry told [himself]136-harry firmly . [[Ron]217-ron 's sister]2280-ron 's sister . [She]236-ginny 's out - of - bounds . [He]136-harry would not risk [his]136-harry friendship with [Ron]217-ron for anything . [He]136-harry punched [his]136-harry pillow into a more comfortable shape and waited for sleep to come , trying [his]136-harry utmost not to allow [his]136-harry thoughts to stray anywhere near [Ginny]236-ginny . [Harry]136-harry awoke next morning feeling slightly dazed and confused by a series of dreams in which [Ron]217-ron had chased [him]136-harry with [a Beater]2292-a beater ’s bat , but by midday [he]136-harry would have happily exchanged the dream [Ron]217-ron for [the real one]2293-the real one , who was not only cold - shouldering [Ginny]236-ginny and [Dean]261-dean , but also treating [a hurt and bewildered Hermione]2294-a hurt and bewildered hermione with an icy , sneering indifference . What was more , [Ron]217-ron seemed to have become , overnight , as touchy and ready to lash out as [the average Blast - Ended Skrewt]440-the average blast - ended skrewt . [Harry]136-harry spent the day attempting to keep the peace between [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione with no success ; finally , [Hermione]194-hermione departed for bed in high dudgeon , and [Ron]217-ron stalked off to [[the boys]1179-the boys ' dormitory]2296-the boys ' dormitory after swearing angrily at several frightened first years for looking at [him]217-ron . To [Harry]136-harry ’s dismay , [Ron]217-ron 's new aggression did not wear off over the next few days . Worse still , it coincided with an even deeper dip in [his]217-ron Keeping skills , which made [him]217-ron still more aggressive , so that during the final Quidditch practice before Saturdays match , [he]217-ron failed to save every single goal [the Chasers]2297-the chasers aimed at [him]217-ron , but bellowed at [everybody]4716-everybody so much that [he]217-ron reduced [Demelza Robins]392-demelza to tears . " [You]217-ron shut up and leave [her]236-ginny alone ! "[395-peakes] shouted [Peakes]395-peakes , who was about two - thirds [Ron]217-ron 's height , though admittedly carrying a heavy bat . " ENOUGH ! "[136-harry] bellowed [Harry]136-harry , who had seen [Ginny]236-ginny glowering in [Ron]217-ron ’s direction and , remembering [her]236-ginny reputation as [an accom - plished caster of the Bat - Bogey Hex]2299-an accom - plished caster of the bat - bogey hex , soared over to intervene be - fore things got out of hand . " [Peakes]395-peakes , go and pack up [the Bludgers]393-bludgers . [Demelza]392-demelza , pull [yourself]392-demelza together , [you]392-demelza played really well today , [Ron]217-ron . . . "[217-ron] [he]217-ron waited until [the rest of [the team]4847-the team]5425-the rest of the team were out of earshot before saying it , " [you]392-demelza 're [[my]217-ron best mate]5657-my best mate , but carry on treating [the rest of [them]5658-the rest of them]5658-the rest of them like this and [I]217-ron 'm going to kick [you]392-demelza off [the team]4847-the team . "[217-ron] [He]217-ron really thought for a moment that [Ron]217-ron might hit [him]217-ron , but then something much worse happened : [Ron]217-ron seemed to sag on [his]217-ron broom . all the fight went out of [him]217-ron and [he]217-ron said , " [I]217-ron resign . [I]217-ron 'm pathetic . "[217-ron] " [You]217-ron 're not pathetic and [you]217-ron 're not resigning ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry fiercely , seizing [Ron]217-ron by the front of [his]217-ron robes . " [You]217-ron can save any - thing when [you]217-ron 're on form , it 's a mental problem [you]217-ron 've got ! "[217-ron] " [You]217-ron calling [me]217-ron mental ? "[217-ron] " Yeah , maybe [I]2302-we am ! "[2302-we] [They]2302-we glared at [each other]4377-each other for a moment , then [Ron]217-ron shook [his]217-ron head wearily . " [I]217-ron know [you]136-harry have n't got any time to find [another Keeper]5660-another keeper , so [I]217-ron 'll play tomorrow , but if [we]2302-we lose , and [we]2302-we will , [I]217-ron 'm tak - ing [myself]217-ron off [the team]4847-the team . "[217-ron] Nothing [Harry]136-harry said made any difference . [He]136-harry tried boosting [Ron]217-ron 's confidence all through dinner , but [Ron]217-ron was too busy being grumpy and surly with [Hermione]194-hermione to notice . [Harry]136-harry persisted in [the common room]1602-the common room that evening , but [his]136-harry assertion that [the whole team]2305-the whole team would be devastated if [Ron]217-ron left was somewhat undermined by the fact that [the rest of [the team]4847-the team]5425-the rest of the team was sitting in a huddle in a distant corner , clearly muttering about [Ron]217-ron and casting [him]217-ron nasty looks . Finally [Harry]136-harry tried getting angry again in the hope of provoking [Ron]217-ron into a defiant , and hopefully goal - saving , attitude , but this strategy did not appear to work any better than encouragement ; [Ron]217-ron went to bed as dejected and hopeless as ever . [Harry]136-harry lay awake for a very long time in the darkness . [He]136-harry did not want to lose the upcoming match ; not only was it [his]136-harry first as [Cap - tain]441-cap - tain , but [he]136-harry was determined to beat [Draco Malfoy]170-malfoy at [Quidditch]214-quidditch even if [he]136-harry could not yet prove [his]136-harry suspicions about [him]217-ron . Yet if [Ron]217-ron played as [he]217-ron had done in the last few practices , [their]2308-their chances of winning were very slim . . . . If only there was something [he]136-harry could do to make [Ron]217-ron pull [him]217-ron - self together . . . make [him]217-ron play at the top of [his]217-ron form . . . some - thing that would ensure that [Ron]217-ron had a really good day . . . . And the answer came to [Harry]136-harry in one , sudden , glorious stroke of inspiration . Breakfast was the usual excitable affair next morning ; [the Slytherins]295-the slytherins hissed and booed loudly as [every member of [the Gryffindor team]2310-the gryffindor team]2309-every member of the gryffindor team entered [the Great Hall]1520-the great hall . [Harry]136-harry glanced at the ceiling and saw a clear , pale blue sky : a good omen . The Gryffindor table , a solid mass of red and gold , cheered as [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron approached . [Harry]136-harry grinned and waved ; [Ron]217-ron gri - maced weakly and shook [his]217-ron head . " Cheer up , [Ron]217-ron ! "[343-lavender] called [Lavender]343-lavender . " [I]343-lavender know [you]217-ron 'll be brilliant ! "[343-lavender] : [Ron]217-ron ignored [her]343-lavender . " Tea ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry asked [him]217-ron . " Coffee ? Pumpkin juice ? "[136-harry] " Anything , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron glumly , taking a moody bite of toast . A few minutes later [Hermione]194-hermione , who had become so tired of [Ron]217-ron 's recent unpleasant behavior that [she]194-hermione had not come down to breakfast with [them]2312-them , paused on [her]194-hermione way up the table . " How are [you]2312-them both feeling ? "[194-hermione] [she]194-hermione asked tentatively , [her]194-hermione eyes on the back of [Ron]217-ron 's head . " Fine , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , who was concentrating on handing [Ron]217-ron a glass of pumpkin juice . " There [you]217-ron go , [Ron]217-ron . Drink up . "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron had just raised the glass to [his]217-ron lips when [Hermione]194-hermione spoke sharply . " Do n't drink that , [Ron]217-ron ! "[194-hermione] Both [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron looked up at [her]194-hermione . " Why not ? "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron . [Hermione]194-hermione was now staring at [Harry]136-harry as though [she]194-hermione could not be - lieve [her]194-hermione eyes . " [You]136-harry just put something in that drink . "[194-hermione] " Excuse [me]136-harry ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [You]136-harry heard [me]136-harry . [I]136-harry saw [you]136-harry . [You]136-harry just tipped something into [Ron]217-ron 's drink . [You]136-harry 've got the bottle in [your]136-harry hand right now ! "[136-harry] " [I]136-harry do nt know what [you]136-harry 're talking about , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , stowing the little bottle hastily in [his]136-harry pocket . " [Ron]217-ron , [I]194-hermione warn [you]217-ron , do n't drink it ! "[194-hermione] [Hermione]194-hermione said again , alarmed , but [Ron]217-ron picked up the glass , drained it in one gulp , and said , " Stop bossing [me]217-ron around , [Hermione]194-hermione . "[217-ron] [She]194-hermione looked scandalized . Bending low so that only [Harry]136-harry could hear [her]194-hermione , [she]194-hermione hissed , " [You]217-ron should be expelled for that . [I]194-hermione 'd never have believed it of [you]217-ron , [Harry]136-harry ! "[194-hermione] " Look who 's talking , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry whispered back . " Confunded [anyone]660-anyone lately ? "[194-hermione] [She]194-hermione stormed up the table away from [them]2313-them . [Harry]136-harry watched [her]194-hermione go without regret . [Hermione]194-hermione had never really understood what a serious business [Quidditch]214-quidditch was . [He]136-harry then looked around at [Ron]217-ron , who was smacking [his]217-ron lips . " Nearly time/ ' said [Harry]136-harry blithely . The frosty grass crunched underfoot as [they]2313-them strode down to [the stadium]1918-the stadium . "[217-ron] Pretty lucky the weathers this good , eh ? " [Harry]136-harry asked [Ron]217-ron . "[217-ron] Yeah , " said [Ron]217-ron , who was pale and sick - looking . [Ginny]236-ginny and [Demelza]392-demelza were already wearing [their]2315-their Quidditch robes and waiting in [the changing room]2266-the changing room . "[217-ron] Conditions look ideal , " said [Ginny]236-ginny , ignoring [Ron]217-ron . "[217-ron] And guess what ? [That Slytherin Chaser Vaisey]434-slytherin — [he]434-slytherin took [a Bludger]2314-a bludger in the head yesterday during [their]2315-their practice , and [he]434-slytherin 's too sore to play ! And even better than that — [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's gone off sick too ! " "[170-malfoy] What ? " said [Harry]136-harry , wheeling around to stare at [her]236-ginny . "[170-malfoy] [He]434-slytherin 's ill ? What 's wrong with [him]434-slytherin ? " "[170-malfoy] No idea , but it 's great for [us]2315-their , " said [Ginny]236-ginny brightly . "[2315-their] [They]2315-their 're playing [Harper]442-harper instead ; [he]434-slytherin 's in [my]0-i year and [he]434-slytherin 's [an idiot]2316-an idiot . " [Harry]136-harry smiled back vaguely , but as [he]136-harry pulled on [his]136-harry scarlet robes [his]136-harry mind was far from [Quidditch]214-quidditch . [Malfoy]170-malfoy had once before claimed [he]170-malfoy could not play due to injury , but on that occasion [he]170-malfoy had made sure the whole match was rescheduled for a time that suited [the Slytherins]295-the slytherins better . Why was [he]170-malfoy now happy to let [a substitute]5665-a substitute go on ? Was [he]170-malfoy really ill , or was [he]170-malfoy faking ? "[434-slytherin] [Fishy]443-fishy , is n't it ? " [he]0-i said in an undertone to [Ron]217-ron . "[443-fishy] [Malfoy]170-malfoy not playing ? " "[170-malfoy] Lucky , [I]0-i call it , " said [Ron]217-ron , looking slightly more animated . "[170-malfoy] And [Vaisey]434-slytherin off too , [he]434-slytherin 's [[their]2317-their best goal scorer]2318-their best goal scorer , [I]0-i did n't fancy — hey ! " [he]217-ron said suddenly , freezing halfway through pulling on [his]217-ron Keepers gloves and staring at [Harry]136-harry . "[0-i] What ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i ... [you]0-i . . . " [Ron]217-ron had dropped [his]217-ron voice , [he]217-ron looked both scared and excited . "[0-i] [My]0-i drink ... [my]0-i pumpkin juice ... [you]0-i did n't ... ? " [Harry]136-harry raised [his]136-harry eyebrows , but said nothing except , "[0-i] [We]2319-we 'll be starting in about five minutes , [you]0-i 'd better get [your]0-i boots on . " [They]2319-we walked out onto [the pitch]1924-the pitch to tumultuous roars and boos . One end of [the stadium]1918-the stadium was solid red and gold ; the other , a sea of green and silver . [Many Hufflepuffs]390-hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws had taken sides too : Amidst all the yelling and clapping [Harry]136-harry could distinctly hear the roar of [Luna Lovegood]288-luna 's famous lion - topped hat . [Harry]136-harry stepped up to [Madam Hooch]444-madam hooch , [the referee]5668-the referee , who was stand - ing ready to release the balls from the crate . "[5191-captains] [Captains]5191-captains shake hands , " [she]5668-the referee said , and [Harry]136-harry had [his]136-harry hand crushed by [the new Slytherin Captain]5669-the new slytherin captain , [Urquhart]445-urquhart . "[5191-captains] Mount [your]0-i brooms . On the whistle . . . three . . . two . . . one . . . " The whistle sounded , [Harry]136-harry and [the others]4977-the others kicked off hard from the frozen ground , and [they]2321-they were away . [Harry]136-harry soared around the perimeter of [the grounds]1899-the grounds , looking around for [the Snitch]5672-the snitch and keeping one eye on [Harper]442-harper , who was zigzagging far below [him]136-harry . Then a voice that was jarringly different to [the usual commentator]5673-the usual commentator 's started up . "[2321-they] Well , there [they]2321-they go , and [I]0-i think [we]2322-we 're all surprised to see [the team that [Potter]136-harry 's put together this year]2323-the team that potter 's put together this year . Many thought , given [Ronald Weasley]220-mr. weasley 's patchy performance as Keeper last year , that [he]220-mr. weasley might be off [the team]4847-the team , but of course , a close personal friendship with [the Captain]5420-the captain does help . . . . " These words were greeted with jeers and applause from [the Slytherin end of [the pitch]1924-the pitch]5674-the slytherin end of the pitch . [Harry]136-harry craned around on [his]136-harry broom to look toward [[the commentator]5676-the commentator 's podium]5677-the commentator 's podium . [A call , skinny blond buy with an upturned nose]5678-a call , skinny blond buy with an upturned nose was standing there , talking into the magical megaphone that had once been [Lee Jordan]446-lee jordan 's ; [Harry]136-harry recognized [Zacharias Smith]310-zacharias smith , [a Hufflepuff player whom [he]136-harry heartily disliked]5679-a hufflepuff player whom he heartily disliked . "[5420-the captain] Oh , and here comes [Slytherin]434-slytherin 's first attempt on goal , it 's [Urquhart]445-urquhart streaking down [the pitch]1924-the pitch and — " [Harrys]269-harrys stomach turned over . "[220-mr. weasley] — [Weasley]220-mr. weasley saves it , well , [he]220-mr. weasley 's bound to get lucky sometimes , [I]0-i suppose . . . . " "[220-mr. weasley] That 's right , [Smith]310-zacharias smith , [he]220-mr. weasley is , " muttered [Harry]136-harry , grinning to [him]310-zacharias smith - self , as [he]136-harry dived amongst [the Chasers]2297-the chasers with [his]136-harry eyes searching all around for some hint of [the elusive Snitch]5681-the elusive snitch . With half an hour of the game gone , [Gryffindor]205-gryffindor were leading sixty points to zero , [Ron]217-ron having made some truly spectacular saves , some by the very tips of [his]217-ron gloves , and [Ginny]236-ginny having scored four of [Gryffindor]205-gryffindor 's six goals . This effectively stopped [Zacharias]310-zacharias smith won - dering loudly whether [the two Weasleys]5682-the two weasleys were only there because [Harry]136-harry liked them , and [he]136-harry started on [Peakes]395-peakes and [Coote]397-coote instead . "[220-mr. weasley] Of course , [Coote]397-coote is n't really the usual build for [a Beater]2292-a beater , " said [Zacharias]310-zacharias smith loftily , "[220-mr. weasley] [they]2328-they 've generally got a bit more muscle — " "[2328-they] Hit a Bludger at [him]2329-him ! " [Harry]136-harry called to [Coote]397-coote as [he]136-harry zoomed past , but [Coote]397-coote , grinning broadly , chose to aim the next Bludger at [Harper]442-harper instead , who was just passing [Harry]136-harry in the opposite direc - tion . [Harry]136-harry was pleased to hear the dull thunk that meant the Bludger had found its mark . It seemed as though [Gryffindor]205-gryffindor could do no wrong . Again and again [they]2330-they scored , and again and again , at the other end of [the pitch]1924-the pitch , [Ron]217-ron saved goals with apparent ease . [He]217-ron was actually smiling now , and when [the crowd]4912-the crowd greeted a particularly good save with a rousing chorus of the old favorite "[217-ron] [Weasley]217-ron Is [[Our]2330-they King]2331-our king , " [he]217-ron pre - tended to conduct [them]2330-they from on high . "[217-ron] Thinks [he]217-ron 's something special today , does n't [he]217-ron ? " said a snide voice , and [Harry]136-harry was nearly knocked off [his]136-harry broom as [Harper]442-harper collided with [him]136-harry hard and deliberately . "[217-ron] [Your]217-ron blood - traitor pal ... " [Madam Hooch]444-madam hooch 's back was turned , and though [Gryffindors]336-gryffindors be - low shouted in anger , by the time [she]5685-she looked around , [Harper]442-harper had already sped off . [His]136-harry shoulder aching , [Harry]136-harry raced after [him]217-ron , de - termined to ram [him]217-ron back . ... "[0-i] And [I]0-i think [Harper]442-harper of [Slytherin]434-slytherin 's seen [the Snitch]5672-the snitch ! " said [Zacharias Smith]310-zacharias smith through [his]0-i megaphone . "[217-ron] Yes , [he]217-ron 's certainly seen something [Potter]136-harry has n't ! " [Smith]310-zacharias smith really was [an idiot]2316-an idiot , thought [Harry]136-harry , had n't [he]310-zacharias smith noticed [them]5687-them collide ? But next moment , [his]310-zacharias smith stomach seemed to drop out of the , sky — [Smith]310-zacharias smith was right and [Harry]136-harry was wrong : [Harper]442-harper had not sped upward at random ; [he]217-ron had spotted what [Harry]136-harry had not : [The Snitch]447-the snitch was speeding along high above [them]5687-them , glinting brightly against the clear blue sky . [Harry]136-harry accelerated ; the wind was whistling in [his]136-harry ears so that it drowned all sound of [Smith]310-zacharias smith 's commentary or [the crowd]4912-the crowd , but [Harper]442-harper was still ahead of [him]170-malfoy , and [Gryffindor]205-gryffindor was only a hundred points up ; if [Harper]442-harper got there first [Gryffindor]205-gryffindor had lost . . . and now [Harper]442-harper was feet from it , [his]217-ron hand outstretched . ... "[136-harry] Oi , [Harper]442-harper ! " yelled [Harry]136-harry in desperation . "[442-harper] How much did [Malfoy]170-malfoy pay [you]442-harper to come on instead of [him]170-malfoy ? " [He]170-malfoy did not know what made [him]170-malfoy say it , but [Harper]442-harper did a dou - ble - take ; [he]217-ron fumbled the Snitch , let it slip through [his]217-ron fingers , and shot right past it . [Harry]136-harry made a great swipe for the tiny , fluttering ball and caught it . "[170-malfoy] YES ! " [Hairy]448-hairy yelled . Wheeling around , [he]448-hairy hurtled back toward the ground , [the Snitch]447-the snitch held high in [his]448-hairy hand . As [the crowd]4912-the crowd realized what had happened , a great shout went up that almost drowned the sound of the whistle that signaled the end of the game . "[170-malfoy] [Ginny]236-ginny , where 're [you]236-ginny going ? " yelled [Harry]136-harry , who had found [hint self]449-hint self trapped in the midst of a mass midair hug with [the rest of [tin1 team]5691-tin1 team]5690-the rest of tin1 team , but [Ginny]236-ginny sped right on past [them]5690-the rest of tin1 team until , with an almighty crash , [she]236-ginny collided with the commentators podium . As [the crowd]4912-the crowd shrieked and laughed , [the Gryffindor team]2310-the gryffindor team landed beside the wreckage of wood under which [Zacharias]310-zacharias smith was feebly stirring , : [Harry]136-harry heard [Ginny]236-ginny saying blithely to an irate [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall , "[4626-professor] Forgot to brake , [Professor]4626-professor , sorry . " Laughing , [Harry]136-harry broke free of [the rest of [the team]4847-the team]5425-the rest of the team and hugged [Ginny]236-ginny , but let go very quickly . Avoiding [her]236-ginny gaze , [he]136-harry clapped cheering [Ron]217-ron on the back instead as , all enmity forgotten , [the Gryffindor team]2310-the gryffindor team left the pitch arm in arm , punching the air ami waving to [[their]2310-the gryffindor team supporters]5697-their supporters . The atmosphere in [the changing room]2266-the changing room was jubilant . "[4626-professor] Party up in [the common room]1602-the common room , [Seamus]330-seamus said ! " yelled [Dean]261-dean exuberantly . "[330-seamus] C'm on , [Ginny]236-ginny , [Demelza]392-demelza ! " [Ron]217-ron and [Harry]136-harry were [the last two in [the changing room]2266-the changing room]5699-the last two in the changing room . [They]5699-the last two in the changing room were just about to leave when [Hermione]194-hermione entered . [She]194-hermione was twisting [her]194-hermione Gryffindor scarf in [her]194-hermione hands and looked upset but determined . "[236-ginny] [I]0-i want a word with [you]2335-you , [Harry]136-harry . " [She]194-hermione took a deep breath . "[136-harry] [Yon]2335-you should n't have done it . [You]2335-you heard [Slughorn]216-slughorn , its illegal . " "[216-slughorn] What are [you]2335-you going to do , turn [us]2336-them in ? " demanded [Ron]217-ron . "[2335-you] What are [you]2336-them two talking about ? " asked [Harry]136-harry , turning away to hang up [his]136-harry robes so that neither of [them]2336-them would see [him]136-harry grinning , "[2336-them] [You]2335-you know perfectly well what [we]2336-them 're talking about ! " said [Hermione]194-hermione shrilly . "[2335-you] [You]2335-you spiked [Rons]450-rons juice with lucky potion at breakfast ! I'elix [Felicis]358-hermione ! " "[2335-you] No , [I]0-i did n't , " said [Harry]136-harry , turning back to face [them]2336-them both . "[0-i] Yes [you]2335-you did , [Harry]136-harry , and that 's why everything went right , there were [Slytherin players]2337-slytherin players missing and [Ron]217-ron saved everything ! " "[217-ron] [I]0-i did n't put it in ! " said [Harry]136-harry , grinning broadly . [He]136-harry slipped [his]136-harry hand inside [his]136-harry jacket pocket and drew out the tiny bottle that [Hermione]358-hermione had seen in [his]136-harry hand that morning . It was full of golden potion and the cork was still tightly sealed with wax . "[0-i] [I]0-i wanted [Ron]217-ron to think [I]0-i 'd done it , so [I]0-i faked it when [I]0-i knew [you]217-ron were look - ing . " [He]136-harry looked at [Ron]217-ron . "[217-ron] [You]217-ron saved everything because [you]217-ron felt lucky . [You]217-ron did it all [yourself]217-ron . " [He]136-harry pocketed the potion again . "[217-ron] There really was n't anything in [my]0-i pumpkin juice ? " [Ron]217-ron said , astounded . "[217-ron] But the weather 's good . . . and [Vaisey]434-slytherin could n't play . ... [I]0-i honestly have n't been given lucky potion ? " ] [Harry]136-harry shook [his]136-harry head . [Ron]217-ron gaped at [him]136-harry for a moment , then rounded on [Hermione]358-hermione , imitating [her]358-hermione voice . "[217-ron] [You]217-ron added [Felix Felicis]358-hermione to [Ron]217-ron ’s juice this morning , that 's why [he]217-ron saved everything ! See ! [I]0-i can save goals without help , [Hermione]358-hermione ! " "[358-hermione] [I]0-i never said [you]217-ron could n't — [Ron]217-ron , [you]217-ron thought [you]217-ron 'd been given it too ! " But [Ron]217-ron had already strode past [her]358-hermione out of the door with [his]217-ron broomstick over [his]217-ron shoulder . "[217-ron] Er , " said [Harry]136-harry into the sudden silence ; [he]136-harry had not expected [his]136-harry plan to backfire like this , "[217-ron] shall . . . shall [we]2338-we go up to the party , then ? " "[217-ron] [You]217-ron go ! " said [Hermione]358-hermione , blinking back tears . "[217-ron] [I]0-i 'm sick of [Ron]217-ron at the moment , [I]0-i do n't know what [I]0-i 'm supposed to have done . . . . " And [she]358-hermione stormed out of [the changing room]2266-the changing room too . [Harry]136-harry walked slowly back up [the grounds]1899-the grounds toward [the castle]4540-the castle through [the crowd]4912-the crowd , many of whom shouted congratulations at [him]136-harry , but [he]136-harry felt a great sense of letdown ; [he]136-harry had been sure that if [Ron]217-ron won the match , [he]217-ron and [Hermione]358-hermione would be [friends]5009-friends again immediately . [He]136-harry did not see how [he]136-harry could possibly explain to [Hermi]384-hermi - one that what [she]384-hermi had done to offend [Ron]217-ron was kiss [Viktor Krum]437-krum , not when the offense had occurred so long ago . [Harry]136-harry could not see [Hermione]358-hermione at the Gryffindor celebration party , which was in full swing when [he]136-harry arrived . Renewed cheers and clapping greeted [his]136-harry appearance , and [he]136-harry was soon surrounded by [a mob of people]5706-a mob of people congratulating [him]136-harry . What with trying to shake off [the Creevey brothers , who wanted a blow - by - blow match analysis]5707-the creevey brothers , who wanted a blow - by - blow match analysis , and [the large group of girls that encircled [him]136-harry]5708-the large group of girls that encircled him , laughing at [his]136-harry least amusing comments and batting [their]5708-the large group of girls that encircled him eyelids , it was some time before [he]136-harry could try and find [Ron]217-ron . At last , [he]136-harry extricated [him]136-harry - self from [Romilda Vane]293-romilda vane , who was hinting heavily that [she]5709-she would like to go to [Slughorn]216-slughorn 's Christmas party with [him]136-harry . As [he]136-harry was duck - ing toward the drinks table , [he]136-harry walked straight into [Ginny]236-ginny , [Arnold the Pygmy Puff]287-arnold riding on [her]236-ginny shoulder and [Crookshanks]230-crookshanks mewing hopefully at [her]236-ginny heels . "[0-i] Looking for [Ron]217-ron ? " [she]236-ginny asked , smirking . "[0-i] [He]217-ron 's over there , [the filthy hypocrite]2339-the filthy hypocrite . " [Harry]136-harry looked into the corner [she]236-ginny was indicating . There , in full view of [the whole room]5148-the whole room , stood [Ron]217-ron wrapped so closely around [Lavender Brown]343-lavender it was hard to tell whose hands were whose . "[217-ron] It looks like [he]217-ron 's eating [her]2340-her face , does n't it ? " said [Ginny]236-ginny dispas - sionately . "[217-ron] But [I]0-i suppose [he]217-ron 's got to refine [his]217-ron technique somehow . Good game , [Harry]136-harry . " [She]236-ginny patted [him]136-harry on the arm ; [Harry]136-harry felt a swooping sensation in [his]136-harry stomach , but then [she]236-ginny walked off to help [herself]236-ginny to more butterbeer . [Crookshanks]230-crookshanks trotted after [her]236-ginny , [his]230-crookshanks yellow eyes fixed upon [Arnold]287-arnold . [Harry]136-harry turned away from [Ron]217-ron , who did not look like [he]217-ron would be surfacing soon , just as the portrait hole was closing . With a sinking feeling , [he]136-harry thought [he]136-harry saw a mane of bushy brown hair whip - ping out of sight . [He]136-harry darted forward , sidestepped [Romilda Vane]293-romilda vane again , and pushed open the portrait of [the Fat Lady]2094-the fat lady . [The corridor outside]5712-the corridor outside , seemed to be deserted . "[136-harry] [Hermione]358-hermione ? " [He]136-harry found [her]358-hermione in [the first unlocked classroom [he]136-harry tried]5713-the first unlocked classroom he tried . [She]358-hermione was sitting on [the teacher]5714-the teacher 's desk , alone except for a small ring of twit - tering yellow birds circling [her]358-hermione head , which [she]358-hermione had clearly just conjured out of midair . [Harry]136-harry could not help admiring [her]358-hermione spell - work at a time like this . "[136-harry] Oh , hello , [Harry]136-harry , " [she]358-hermione said in a brittle voice . "[136-harry] [I]0-i was just practicing . " "[0-i] Yeah . . . they 're — er — really good . ... " said [Harry]136-harry . [He]136-harry had no idea what to say to [her]358-hermione . [He]136-harry was just wondering whether there was any chance that [she]358-hermione had not noticed [Ron]217-ron , that [she]358-hermione had merely left [the room]685-the room because the party was a little too rowdy , when [she]358-hermione said , in an unnaturally high - pitched voice , "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron seems to be enjoying the celebrations . " "[217-ron] Er . . . does [he]217-ron ? " said [Harry]136-harry . "[217-ron] Do n't pretend [you]136-harry did n't see [him]217-ron , " said [Hermione]358-hermione . "[136-harry] [He]217-ron was n't exactly hiding it , was — ? " The door behind [them]5716-them burst open . To [Harry]136-harry 's horror , [Ron]217-ron came in , laughing , pulling [Lavender]343-lavender by the hand . ; ' "[217-ron] Oh , " [he]217-ron said , drawing up short at the sight of [Harry]136-harry and [Hermione]358-hermione . "[217-ron] Oops ! " said [Lavender]343-lavender , and [she]343-lavender backed out of [the room]685-the room , gig - gling . The door swung shut behind [her]343-lavender . There was a horrible , swelling , billowing silence . [Hermione]358-hermione was staring at [Ron]217-ron , who refused to look at [her]358-hermione , but said with an odd mixture of bravado and awkwardness , "[217-ron] Hi , [Harry]136-harry ! Wondered where [you]136-harry 'd got to ! " [Hermione]358-hermione slid off the desk . The little flock of golden birds con - tinued to twitter in circles around [her]343-lavender head so that [she]343-lavender looked like a strange , feathery model of [the solar system]5718-the solar system . "[136-harry] [You]136-harry should n't leave [Lavender]343-lavender waiting outside , " [she]358-hermione said quietly . "[343-lavender] [She]343-lavender 'll wonder where [you]136-harry 've gone . " [She]358-hermione walked very slowly and erectly toward the door . [Harry]136-harry glanced at [Ron]217-ron , who was looking relieved that nothing worse had happened . "[343-lavender] Oppugno ! " came a shriek from the doorway . [Harry]136-harry spun around to see [Hermione]358-hermione pointing [her]358-hermione wand at [Ron]217-ron , [her]358-hermione expression wild : The little flock of birds was speeding like a hail of fat golden bullets toward [Ron]217-ron , who yelped and covered [his]217-ron face with [his]217-ron hands , but the birds attacked , pecking and clawing at every bit of flesh [they]5719-they could reach . "[343-lavender] Gerremoffme ! " [he]136-harry yelled , but with one last look of vindictive fury , [Hermione]358-hermione wrenched open the door and disappeared through it . [Harry]136-harry thought [he]136-harry heard a sob before it slammed .[343-lavender] Chapter 15 : [The Unbreakable Vow Snow]451-the unbreakable vow snow was swirling against the icy windows once more ; [Christmas]452-christmas was approaching fast . [Hagrid]218-hagrid had already singlehandedly delivered the usual twelve C hristmas trees to [the Great Hall]1520-the great hall ; garlands of holly and tinsel had been twisted around the banisters of the stairs ; everlasting candles glowed from inside the helmets of suits of armor and great bunches of mistletoe had been hung at intervals along [the corridors]1409-the corridors . [Large groups of [girls]5261-girls]2343-large groups of girls tended to converge underneath the mistletoe bunches every time [Harry]136-harry went past , which caused blockages in [the corridors]1409-the corridors ; fortunat e ly , however , [Harry]136-harry 's frequent nighttime wanderings had given [him]136-harry an unusually good knowledge of [[the castle]4540-the castle 's secret passageways]2347-the castle 's secret passageways , so that [he]136-harry was often , without too much difficulty , to naviga t e mistletoe - free routes between [classes]2348-classes . [Ron]217-ron , who might once have found the necessity of these detours excuse for jealousy rather than hilarity , simply roared with laughter about it all . Although [Harry]136-harry much preferred this new laughing , joking [Ron]217-ron to the moody , aggressive model [he]136-harry had been enduring for the last few weeks , [the improved Ron]217-ron came at a heavy price . Firstly , [Harry]136-harry had to put up with the frequent presence of [Lavender Brown]343-lavender , who seemed to regard any moment that [she]343-lavender was not kissing [Ron]217-ron as a moment wasted ; and secondly , [Harry]136-harry found [himself]136-harry once more [the best friend of two people who seemed unlikely ever to speak to [each other]4377-each other again . [Ron]217-ron , whose hands and forearms still bore scratches and cuts from [Hermione]358-hermione 's bird attack]2349-the best friend of two people who seemed unlikely ever to speak to each other again . ron , whose hands and forearms still bore scratches and cuts from hermione 's bird attack , was taking a defensive and resentful tone . " [She]358-hermione ca n't complain , "[217-ron] [he]217-ron told [Harry]136-harry . " [She]358-hermione snogged [Krum]437-krum . So [she]358-hermione 's found out [someone]5066-someone wants to snog [me]217-ron too . Well , it 's [a free country]5721-a free country . [I]217-ron have n't done anything wrong . "[217-ron] [Harry]136-harry did not answer , but pretended to be absorbed in the book [they]2351-they were supposed to have read before Charms next morning ( Quintessence : A Q uest ) . Determined as [he]136-harry was to remain friends with both [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]358-hermione , [he]136-harry was spending a lot of time with [his]136-harry mouth shut tight . " [I]217-ron never promised [Hermione]358-hermione anything , "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron mumbled . " [I]217-ron mean , all right , [I]217-ron was going to go to [Slughorn]216-slughorn 's Christmas party with [her]358-hermione , but [she]358-hermione never said ... just as [friends]5009-friends ... [I]217-ron 'm [a free agent]5723-a free agent ... "[217-ron] [Harry]136-harry turned a page of Quintessence , aware that [Ron]217-ron was watching [him]136-harry . [Ron]217-ron 's voice trailed away in mutters , barely audible over the loud crackling of the fire , though [Harry]136-harry thought [he]136-harry caught the words " [Krum]437-krum "[217-ron] and " Ca n't complain "[217-ron] again . [Hermione]358-hermione 's schedule was so full that [Harry]136-harry could only talk to [her]358-hermione properly in the evenings , when [Ron]217-ron was , in any case , so tightly wrapped around [Lavender]343-lavender that [he]217-ron did not notice what [Harry]136-harry was doing . [Hermione]358-hermione refused to sit in [the common room]1602-the common room while [Ron]217-ron was [there]4506-there , So [Harry]136-harry generally joined [her]358-hermione in [the library]2354-the library , which meant that [their]2355-their conversations were held in whispers . " [He]217-ron 's at perfect liberty to kiss whomever [he]217-ron likes , "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione , while [the librarian]2356-the librarian , [Madam Pince]453-madam pince , prowled the shelves behind [them]2355-their . " [I]358-hermione really could n't care less . "[358-hermione] [She]358-hermione raised [her]358-hermione quill and dotted an ' [i]0-i ' so ferociously that [she]358-hermione punctured a hole in [her]358-hermione parchment . [Harry]136-harry said nothing . [He]136-harry thought [his]136-harry voice might soon vanish from the lack of use . [He]136-harry bent a little lower over Advanced Potion - Making and continued to make notes on Everlasting Elixirs , occasionally pausing to decipher the p rince 's useful additions to [Libatius B orage]454-libatius b orage 's text . " And incidentally , "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione , after a few moments , " [you]136-harry need to be careful . "[358-hermione] " For the last time , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , speaking in a slightly hoarse tone after three - quarters of an ho u r of silence , " [I]136-harry am not giving back this book . [I]136-harry 've learned more from [the Half - blood p rince]455-the half - blood p rince than [Snape]221-snape or [Slughorn]216-slughorn have taught [me]136-harry in-- "[136-harry] " [I]358-hermione 'm not talking about [[your]136-harry stupid so - called prince]5724-your stupid so - called prince , "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione , giving [his]136-harry book a nasty look as though it had been rude to [her]358-hermione . " [I]358-hermione 'm talki ng about earlier . [I]358-hermione went into [[the girl]1349-the girl 's bathroom]5726-the girl 's bathroom just before [I]358-hermione came in [here]4439-here and there were about [a dozen girls in [there]4506-there]5728-a dozen girls in there , including that [Romilda Vane]293-romilda vane , trying to decide how to slip [you]136-harry a love potion . [They]5728-a dozen girls in there 're all hoping [they]5728-a dozen girls in there 're going to get [you]136-harry to take [them]5728-a dozen girls in there to [Slughorn]216-slughorn 's party , and [thay]5728-a dozen girls in there all seem to have bought [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george 's love potions , which [I]358-hermione 'm afraid to say probably work -- "[358-hermione] " Why did n't [you]358-hermione confiscate them then ? "[136-harry] demanded [Harry]136-harry , it seemed extraordinary that [[Hermione]358-hermione 's m ania]2357-hermione 's m ania for upholding the rules could have abandoned [her]358-hermione at this crucial juncture . " [They]5728-a dozen girls in there did n't have the potions with [them]5728-a dozen girls in there in [the bathroom]5501-the bathroom , "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione scornfully , " [They]5728-a dozen girls in there were just discussing tactics . As [I]358-hermione doubt [the Half - blood prince]649-the half - blood prince "[358-hermione] [she]358-hermione gave the book another scornful look " could dream up an antidote for a dozen different love potions at once , [I]358-hermione 'd just invite [someone]5066-someone to go with [you]5733-you , that 'll stop all the others thinking [they]5728-a dozen girls in there 've still got a chance . It 's tomor r ow night , [they]5728-a dozen girls in there 're getting desperate . "[358-hermione] " There is n't [anyone]660-anyone [I]136-harry want to invite , "[136-harry] mumbled [Harry]136-harry , who was still not trying to think about [Ginny]236-ginny any more than [he]136-harry could help , despite the fact the fact that [she]236-ginny kept cropping up in [his]136-harry dreams in ways that made [him]136-harry devoutly thankful that [Ron]217-ron could not perform [Legilimency]456-legilimency . " Well , just be careful what [you]136-harry drink , because [Romilda Va ne]457-romilda va ne looked like [she]457-romilda va ne meant business . "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione grimly . [She]358-hermione hitched up the long roll of parchment on which [she]358-hermione was writing [her]358-hermione Arithma n cy essay and continued to scratch away with [her]358-hermione quill . [Harry]136-harry wa t che d [her]358-hermione with [his]136-harry mind a long way away . " Hang on a moment , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said slowly . " [I]136-harry thought [Filch]327-filch had banned anything bought at [Weasley]217-ron 's Wizard Wheezes ? "[136-harry] " And when has [anyone]660-anyone ever paid attention to what [Filch]327-filch has banned ? "[358-hermione] asked [Hermione]358-hermione , still concentrating on [her]358-hermione essay . " But [I]358-hermione thought all the owls were being searched . So how come these grils are able to bring love potions into [the school]1525-the school ? "[358-hermione] " [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george send [them]5737-they disguised as perfumes and cough potions , "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione . " It 's part of [their]5737-they Owl order service . "[358-hermione] " [You]136-harry know a lot about it . "[358-hermione] [Hermione]358-hermione gave [him]136-harry the kind of nasty look [she]358-hermione had just given [his]136-harry copy of Advanced Potion - Making . " It was all on the back of the bottles [they]5737-they showed [Ginny]236-ginny and [me]358-hermione in the summer , "[358-hermione] [she]358-hermione said coldly , " [I]358-hermione do n't go around putting potions in [people]681-people 's drinks ... or pretending too eit h er , which is just as bad ... "[358-hermione] " Yeah , well , never mind that , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry quickly . " The point is , [Filch]327-filch is being fooled is n't [he]327-filch ? [These girls]5739-these girls are getting stuff into [the school]1525-the school disguised as something else ! So why could n't [Malfoy]170-malfoy have brought the necklace into [the school]1525-the school -- ? "[136-harry] " Oh , [Harry]136-harry ... not that again ... "[358-hermione] " Come on , why not ? "[136-harry] demanded [Harry]136-harry . " Look , "[358-hermione] sighed [Hermione]358-hermione , " Secrecy Sensors detect jinxes , curses , and concealment charms , do n't [they]5737-they ? [They]5737-they 're used to find d ark magic and d ark obje c ts . [They]5737-they 'd have picked up a powerful curse , like the one in the necklace , withi n seconds . But something that 's just been put in the wrong bottle wouldn ' t register -- anyway Love potions are n't d ark or dangerous --- "[358-hermione] " Easy for [you]358-hermione to say , "[136-harry] muttered [Harry]136-harry , thinking of [Romilda Vane]293-romilda vane . " -- so it would be down to [Filch]327-filch to realise it was n't a cough potion , and [he]327-filch 's not [a very good wizard]5742-a very good wizard , [I]358-hermione doubt [he]327-filch can tell one potion from -- "[358-hermione] [Hermione]358-hermione stopped dead ; [Harry]136-harry had heard it too . [Somebody]1513-somebody had moved close behind [them]2359-them among the dark bookshelves . [They]2359-them waited , and a moment later the vulturelike countenance of [Madam Pince]453-madam pince appeared around the corner , [her]453-madam pince sunken cheeks , [her]453-madam pince skin like parchment , and [her]453-madam pince long hooked nose illuminated unflatteringly by the lamp [she]453-madam pince was carrying . " [The library]2354-the library is now closed , "[358-hermione] [she]358-hermione said , " Mind [you]136-harry return anything [you]136-harry have borrowed to the correct -- what have [you]136-harry been doing to that book , [[you]136-harry depraved boy]5744-you depraved boy ? "[358-hermione] " It is n't [the library]2354-the library 's , it 's [mine]136-harry ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry hastily , snatching [his]136-harry copy of Advanced Potion - Making off the table as [she]358-hermione lunged at it with a clawlike hand . " [Spoiled]458-spoiled ! "[358-hermione] [she]358-hermione hissed . " Desecrated , befouled ! "[358-hermione] " It 's just a book that 's been written on ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , tugging it out of [her]358-hermione grip . [She]358-hermione looked as though [she]358-hermione might have a seizure ; [Hermione]358-hermione , who had hastily packed [her]358-hermione things , grabbed [Harry]136-harry by the arm and frogmarched [him]136-harry away . " [She]358-hermione 'll ban [you]136-harry from [the library]2354-the library if [you]136-harry 're not careful . Why did [you]136-harry have to bring that stupid book ? "[358-hermione] " It 's not [my]358-hermione fault [she]358-hermione 's barking mad , [Hermione]358-hermione . Or [d'you]5747-d'you think [she]358-hermione overheard [you]136-harry being rude about [Filch]327-filch ? [I]358-hermione 've always thought there might be something between [them]2360-them ... "[358-hermione] " Oh , ha ha .. "[358-hermione] Enjoying the fact that [they]2360-them could speak normally again , [they]2360-them made [their]2360-them way along [the deserted lamp - lit corridors]2361-the deserted lamp - lit corridors back to [the common room]1602-the common room , arguing w hether or not [Filch]327-filch and [Madam Pince]453-madam pince were secretly in love with each other . " Baubles "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry to [the Fat Lady]2094-the fat lady , this being the new , festive password . " Same to [you]136-harry , "[2094-the fat lady] said [the fat lady]2094-the fat lady with a roguish grin , and [she]2094-the fat lady swung forward to admit [them]2360-them . " Hi , [Harry]136-harry ! "[293-romilda vane] said [Romilda Vane]293-romilda vane , the moment [he]136-harry had climbed through the portrait hole . " Fancy a gillywater ? "[358-hermione] [Hermione]358-hermione gave [him]136-harry a " what - did - [I]358-hermione - tell - [you]136-harry ? "[358-hermione] look over [her]358-hermione shoulder . " No thanks , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry quickly . " [I]136-harry do n't like it much . "[136-harry] " Well , take these anyway , "[293-romilda vane] said [Romilda]293-romilda vane , thrusting a box into [his]136-harry hands . " Chocolate Cauldrons , [they]5748-they 've got firewhiskey in them . [[My]293-romilda vane gran]5018-my gran sent them to [me]293-romilda vane , but [I]293-romilda vane do n't like them . "[293-romilda vane] " Oh-- right -- thanks a lot . "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , who could not think what else to say . " Er-- [I]136-harry ' m just going over here with ... "[136-harry] [He]136-harry hurried off behind [Hermione]358-hermione , [his]136-harry voice tailing away feebly . " Told [you]136-harry , "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione succinctly , " Sooner [you]136-harry ask [someone]5066-someone , sooner [they]5066-someone 'll all leave [you]136-harry alone and [you]136-harry can -- "[358-hermione] But [her]358-hermione face suddnly turned blank ; [she]358-hermione had just spotted [Ron]217-ron and [Lavender]343-lavender , who were [i]0-i ntertwined in the same armchair . " Well , good night , [Harry]136-harry "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione , though it was only seven o'clock in the evening , and [she]358-hermione left for [[the girl]1349-the girl s ' dormitory]2366-the girl s ' dormitory without another word . [Harry]136-harry went to bed comforting [himself]136-harry that there was only one more day of lessons to struggle through , plus [Slughorn]216-slughorn 's party , after which [he]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron would depart together for [the B urrow]98-the b urrow . It now seemed impossible that [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]358-hermione would make up with [each other]4377-each other before the holidays began , but perhaps , somehow , the break would give [them]2368-they time to calm down , think better of [their]2368-they behavior ... But [his]136-harry hopes were not high , and [they]2368-they sank still lower after enduring a Transfiguration lesson with [them]2368-they both next day . [They]2368-they had just embarked upon the immensely difficult topic of human transfiguration ; working in front of mirrors , [they]2368-they were suposed to be changing the color of [their]2368-they own eyebrows . [Hermione]358-hermione laughed unkindly at [Ron]217-ron 's disastrous first attempt , during which [he]217-ron somehow managed to give [himself]217-ron a spectacular handlebar mustache ; [Ron]217-ron retaliated by doing a cruel but accurate impression of [Hermione]358-hermione jumping up and down in [her]358-hermione seat every time Profe s sor [McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall asked a question , which [Lavender]343-lavender and [Parvati]346-parvati found deeply amusing and which reduced [Hermione]358-hermione to the verge of tears again . [She]358-hermione raced out of [the classroom]1627-the classroom on the bell , leaving half [her]358-hermione things behind ; [Harry]136-harry , deciding that [her]358-hermione need was greater than [Ron]217-ron 's just now , scooped up [her]358-hermione remaining po ssessions and followed [her]358-hermione . [He]136-harry finally tracked [her]358-hermione down as [she]358-hermione emerged from [[a girl]4778-a girl 's bathroom on the floor below]2371-a girl 's bathroom on the floor below . [She]358-hermione was accompanied by [Luna Lovegood]288-luna , who was patting [her]358-hermione vaguely on the back . " Oh , hello , [Harry]136-harry , "[288-luna] said [Luna]288-luna . " D [i]288-luna d [you]136-harry know one of [your]136-harry eyebrows is bright yellow ? "[288-luna] " Hi , [Luna]288-luna . [Hermione]358-hermione , [you]358-hermione left [your]358-hermione stuff ... "[136-harry] [He]136-harry held out [her]358-hermione books . " Oh , yes , "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione in a choked voice , taking [her]358-hermione things and turning away quickly to hide the fact [she]358-hermione was wiping [her]358-hermione eyes with [her]358-hermione pencil case . " Thank [you]136-harry , [Harry]136-harry . Well , [I]358-hermione 'd better get going ... "[358-hermione] And [she]358-hermione hurried off , without ever giving [Harry]136-harry any time to offer words of comfort , though admittedly [he]136-harry could not think of any . " [She]358-hermione 's a bit upset , "[288-luna] said [Luna]288-luna . " [I]288-luna thought at first it was [Moaning Myrtle]243-moaning myrtle in there , but it turned out to be [Hermione]358-hermione . [She]358-hermione said something about [Ron Weasley]217-ron ... "[288-luna] " Yeah , [they]2372-they 've had a row , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [He]136-harry says funny things sometimes , does n't [he]136-harry ? "[288-luna] said [Luna]288-luna as [they]2372-they set off down [the corridor]4994-the corridor together . " But [he]136-harry can be a bit unkind . [I]288-luna noticed that last year . "[288-luna] " [I]136-harry s'pose , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . [Luna]288-luna was demonstrating [her]288-luna usual knack of speaking uncomfortable truths ; [he]136-harry had never met anyone quite like [her]288-luna . " So have [you]136-harry had a good term ? "[288-luna] " Oh , it 's been al l right , "[288-luna] said [Luna]288-luna . " A bit lonely without the D.A. [Ginny]236-ginny 's been nice , though . [She]236-ginny stopped [two boys]5751-two boys in [our]5752-our Transfiguration class calling [me]288-luna ' Loony ' the other day -- "[288-luna] " How would [you]136-harry like to come to [S lughorn]459-s lughorn 's party with [me]288-luna tonight ? "[288-luna] The words were out of [Harry]136-harry 's mouth before [he]136-harry could stop them ; [he]136-harry heard [himself]136-harry say them as though it were [a stranger]2374-a stranger speaking . [Luna]288-luna turned [her]288-luna protuberant eyes to [him]136-harry in surprise . " [[Slughorn]216-slughorn 's party]5753-slughorn 's party ? With [you]136-harry ? "[288-luna] " Yeah , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , " [We]5752-our 're supposed to bring [guests]4480-guests , so [I]136-harry thought [you]288-luna might like .. [I]136-harry mean ... "[136-harry] [He]136-harry was keen to make [his]136-harry intentions perfectly clear . " [I]136-harry mean , just as [friends]5009-friends , [you]288-luna know . But if [you]288-luna do n't want to ... "[136-harry] [He]136-harry was already half hoping that [she]288-luna did n't want to . " O h no , [I]288-luna 'd love to go with [you]136-harry as [friends]5009-friends ! "[288-luna] said [Luna]288-luna , beaming as [he]136-harry had never seen [her]288-luna beam before . " [Nobody]687-nobody 's ever asked [me]288-luna to a party before , as [a friend]4731-a friend ! Is that why [you]136-harry dyed [your]136-harry eyebrow , for the party ? Should [I]288-luna dye [mine]288-luna too ? "[288-luna] " No "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry firmly , " That was a mistake . [I]136-harry 'll get [Hermione]358-hermione to put it right for [me]136-harry . So [I]136-harry 'll meet [you]288-luna in [the entrance hall]5133-the entrance hall at eight o'clock then . "[136-harry] " AHA ! "[288-luna] screamed a voice from overhead and [both of [them]5058-both of them]5058-both of them jumped ; unnoticed by either of [them]5058-both of them , [they]5058-both of them had just passed underneath [Peeves]460-peeves , who was hanging upside down from a chandelier and grinning maliciously at [them]5058-both of them . " [Potty]461-potty asked [Loony]461-potty to go to the part y ! [Potty lurves Loony]461-potty ! [Potty luuuuuurves Looooony]462-potty luuuuuurves looooony ! "[460-peeves] And [he]460-peeves zoomed away cackling and shrieking , " [Potty]462-potty luuuuuurves looooony loves [Loony]461-potty ! "[460-peeves] " Nice to keep these things private , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . And sure enough , in no time at all [the whole school]2376-the whole school seemed to know that [Harry Potter]136-harry was taking [Luna Lovegood]288-luna to [Slughorn]216-slughorn 's party . " [You]136-harry could 've taken [anyone]660-anyone ! "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron in disbelief over dinner . " Anyone ! And [you]136-harry chose [Loony Lovegood]463-loony lovegood ? "[217-ron] " Do n't call [her]463-loony lovegood that , [Ron]217-ron ! "[236-ginny] snapped [Ginny]236-ginny , pausing behind [Harry]136-harry on [her]236-ginny way to join [friends]5009-friends . " [I]236-ginny 'm really glad [you]136-harry 're taking [her]463-loony lovegood [Harry]136-harry , [she]463-loony lovegood 's so excited . "[236-ginny] And [she]236-ginny moved on down the table to sit with [Dean]261-dean . [Harry]136-harry tried to feel pleased that [Ginny]236-ginny was glad [he]136-harry was taking [Luna]288-luna to the party but could not quite manage it . A long way along the table [Hermione]358-hermione was sitting alone , playing with [her]358-hermione stew . [Harry]136-harry noticed [Ron]217-ron looking at [her]358-hermione furtively . " [You]217-ron could say sorry , "[136-harry] suggested [Harry]136-harry bluntly . " What , and get attacked by another flock of canaries ? "[217-ron] muttered [Ron]217-ron . " What did [you]136-harry have to imitate [her]288-luna for ? "[217-ron] " [She]288-luna laughed at [my]217-ron mustache ! "[217-ron] " So did [I]217-ron , it was the stupidest thing [I]217-ron 've ever seen . "[217-ron] But [Ron]217-ron did not seem to have [he]217-ron a rd ; [Lavender]343-lavender had just arrived with [Parvati]346-parvati . Squeezing [herself]343-lavender in between [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron , [Lavender]343-lavender flung [her]343-lavender arms around [Ron]217-ron 's neck . " Hi , [Harry]136-harry , "[346-parvati] said [Parvati]346-parvati who , like [Harry]136-harry , looked faintly embarrassed and bored by the behavior of [[their]2378-their two friends]2379-their two friends . " Hi , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , " How 're [you]343-lavender ? [You]343-lavender 're staying at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , then ? [I]136-harry heard [[your]343-lavender parents]5761-your parents wanted [you]343-lavender to leave . "[136-harry] " [I]346-parvati managed to talk [them]5761-your parents out o f it for the time being , "[346-parvati] said [Parvati]346-parvati . " That Katie thing really freaked [them]5761-your parents out , but as there has n't been anything since ... Oh , hi , [Hermione]358-hermione ! "[346-parvati] [Parvati]346-parvati positively beamed . [Harry]136-harry could tell that [she]2380-she was feeling guilty for having laughed at [Hermione]358-hermione in Transfiguration . [He]136-harry looked around and saw that [Hermione]358-hermione was beaming back , if possible even more brightly . [Girls]5261-girls were very strange sometimes . " Hi , [Parvati]346-parvati ! "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione , ignoring [Ron]217-ron and [Lavender]343-lavender completely . " Are [you]346-parvati going to [Slughorn]216-slughorn 's party tonight ? "[358-hermione] " No invite , "[346-parvati] said [Parvati]346-parvati gloomily . " [I]346-parvati 'd love to go , though , it sounds like it 's going to be really good ... [You]346-parvati 're going , are n't [you]346-parvati ? "[346-parvati] " Yes , [I]358-hermione 'm meeting [Cormac]302-mclaggen at eight , and [we]5762-we 're - "[358-hermione] There was a noise like a plunger being withdrawn from a blocked sink , and [Ron]217-ron surfaced . [Hermione]358-hermione acted as though [she]358-hermione had not seen or heard anything . " - [we]5762-we 're going up to the party together . "[358-hermione] " [Cormac]302-mclaggen ? "[346-parvati] said [Parvati]346-parvati . " [Cormac McLaggen]302-mclaggen , [you]346-parvati mean ? "[346-parvati] " That 's right , "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione sweetly . " The one who * almost * "[358-hermione] - [she]358-hermione put a great deal of emphasis on the word - " bec a [me]358-hermione [Gryffindor Keeper]205-gryffindor . "[358-hermione] " Are [you]358-hermione going out with [him]302-mclaggen , then ? "[346-parvati] asked [Parvati]346-parvati , wide - eyed . " Oh - yes - did n't [you]346-parvati know ? "[464-harmione] said [Harmione]464-harmione , with a most un - [Hermione]358-hermione - ish giggle . " No ! "[346-parvati] said [Parvati]346-parvati , looking positively agog at [thi]2382-thi s piece of gossip . " Wow , [you]346-parvati like [[your]346-parvati Quidditch players]5763-your quidditch players , do n't [you]346-parvati ? First [Krum]437-krum , then [McLaggen]302-mclaggen . . . "[346-parvati] " [I]358-hermione like [* really good * Quidditch players]5764-* really good * quidditch players , "[358-hermione] [Hermione]358-hermione corrected [her]358-hermione , still smiling . " Well , see [you]136-harry ... Got to go and get ready for the party ... "[358-hermione] [She]358-hermione left . At once [Lavender]343-lavender and [Parvati]346-parvati put [their]2383-they heads together to discuss this new development , with everything [they]2383-they had ever heard about [McLaggen]302-mclaggen , and all [they]2383-they had ever guessed about [Hermione]358-hermione . [Ron]217-ron looked strangely blank and said nothing . [Harry]136-harry was left to ponder in silence the depths to which [girls]5261-girls would sink to get revenge . When [he]136-harry arrived in [the entrance hall]5133-the entrance hall at eight o'clock that night , [he]136-harry found [an unusually large number of [girls]5261-girls]2386-an unusually large number of girls lurking there , all of whom seemed to be staring at [him]136-harry resentfully as [he]136-harry approached [Luna]288-luna . [She]288-luna was wearing a set of spangled silver robes that were attracting a certain amount of giggles from [the onlookers]2388-the onlookers , but otherwise [she]288-luna looked quite nice . [Harry]136-harry was glad , in any case , that [she]288-luna had left off [her]288-luna radish earrings , [her]288-luna butterbeer cork necklace , and [her]288-luna Spectrespecs . " Hi , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said . " Shall [we]5765-we get going then ? "[136-harry] " Oh yes , "[288-luna] [she]288-luna said happily . " Where is the party ? "[288-luna] " [[Slughorn]216-slughorn 's office]5766-slughorn 's office , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , leading [her]288-luna up the marble staircase away from all the staring and muttering . " Did [you]288-luna hear , there 's supposed to be [a vampire]5767-a vampire coming ? "[136-harry] " [Rufus Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour ? "[288-luna] asked [Luna]288-luna . " [I]136-harry - what ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , disconcerted . " [You]288-luna mean [the Minister of Magic]710-the minister of magic ? "[136-harry] " Yes , [he]5767-a vampire 's [a vampire]5767-a vampire , "[288-luna] said [Luna]288-luna matter - of - factly . " [Father]465-father wrote a very long article about it when [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour first took over from [Cornelius Fudge]139-fudge , but [he]148-scrimgeour was forced not to publish by [somebody from [the Ministry]4400-the ministry]5770-somebody from the ministry . Obviously , [they]5770-somebody from the ministry did n't want the truth to get out ! "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry , who thought it most unlikely that [Rufus Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour was [a vampire]5767-a vampire , but who was used to [Luna]288-luna repeating [[her]288-luna father]1797-her father 's bizarre views as though they were fact , did not reply ; [they]2391-they were already approaching [[Slughorn]216-slughorn 's office]5766-slughorn 's office and the sounds of laughter , music , and loud conversation were growing louder with every step [they]2391-they took . Whether [it]5766-slughorn 's office had been built that way , or because [he]216-slughorn had used magical trickery to make it so , [[Slughorn]216-slughorn 's office]5766-slughorn 's office was much larger than [[the usual teacher]2394-the usual teacher 's study]2395-the usual teacher 's study . The ceiling and walls had been draped with emerald , crimson , and gold hangings , so that it looked as though [they]2391-they were all inside [a vast tent]2396-a vast tent . [The room]685-the room was crowded and stuffy and bathed in the red light cast by an ornate golden lamp dangling from the center of the ceiling in which real fairies were fluttering , each a brilliant speck of light . Loud singing accompanied by what sounded like mandolins issued from a distant corner ; a haze of pipe smoke hung over [several elderly warlocks deep in conversation]2398-several elderly warlocks deep in conversation , and a number of [house - elves]2399-house - elves were negotiating [their]2399-house - elves way squeakily through [the forest of knees]2400-the forest of knees , obscured by the heavy silver platters of food [they]2399-house - elves were bearing , so that they looked like little roving tables . " [Harry]136-harry , [m'boy]5032-m'boy ! "[216-slughorn] boomed [Slughorn]216-slughorn , almost as soon as [Harry]136-harry and [Luna]288-luna had squeezed in through the door . " Come in , come in , so many [people]681-people [I]216-slughorn 'd like [you]136-harry to meet ! "[216-slughorn] [Slughorn]216-slughorn was wearing a tasseled velvet hat to match [his]216-slughorn smoking jacket . Gripping [Harry]136-harry 's arm so tightly [he]136-harry might have been hoping to Disapparate with [him]136-harry , [Slughorn]216-slughorn led [him]136-harry purposefully into the party ; [Harry]136-harry seized [Luna]288-luna 's hand and dragged [her]288-luna along with [him]136-harry . " [Harry]136-harry , [I]136-harry 'd like [you]136-harry to meet [Eldred Worple]466-worple , [an old student of [mine]136-harry]5774-an old student of mine , author of ' Blood Brothers : [My]136-harry L ife Amongst [the Vampires]5775-the vampires ' - and , of course , [[his]466-worple friend]1607-his friend [Sanguini]467-sanguini . "[136-harry] [Worple]466-worple , who was [a small , stout , bespectacled man]2401-a small , stout , bespectacled man , grabbed [Harry]136-harry 's hand and shook it enthusiastically ; [the vampire Sanguini , who was tall and emaciated with dark shadows under [his]2402-the vampire sanguini , who was tall and emaciated with dark shadows under his eyes eyes]2402-the vampire sanguini , who was tall and emaciated with dark shadows under his eyes , merely nodded . [He]2402-the vampire sanguini , who was tall and emaciated with dark shadows under his eyes looked rather bored . [A gaggle of [girls]5261-girls]2403-a gaggle of girls was standing close to [him]136-harry , looking curious and excited . " [Harry Potter]136-harry , [I]466-worple am simply delighted ! "[466-worple] said [Worple]466-worple , peering shortsightedly up into [Harry]136-harry 's face . " [I]466-worple was saying to [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn only the other day , ' Where is the biography of [Harry Potter]136-harry for which [we]5777-we have all been waiting ? ' "[466-worple] " Er , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , " were [you]466-worple ? "[136-harry] " Just as modest as [Horace]193-slughorn described ! "[466-worple] said [Worple]466-worple . " But seri - ously "[466-worple] — [his]466-worple manner changed ; it became suddenly businesslike — " [I]466-worple would be delighted to write it [myself]466-worple — [people]681-people are craving to know more about [you]136-harry , [dear boy]5779-dear boy , craving ! If [you]136-harry were prepared to grant [me]466-worple a few interviews , say in four- or five - hour sessions , why , [we]5777-we could have the book finished within months . And all with very little effort on [your]136-harry part , [I]466-worple assure [you]136-harry — ask [Sanguini]467-sanguini here if it is n't quite — [Sanguini]467-sanguini , stay here ! "[466-worple] added [Worple]466-worple , suddenly stern , for [the vampire]2405-the vampire had been edging toward [the nearby group of girls]2406-the nearby group of girls , a rather hungry look in [his]2405-the vampire eye . " Here , have a pasty , "[466-worple] said [Worple]466-worple , seizing one from [a passing elf]2407-a passing elf and stuffing it into [Sanguini]467-sanguini 's hand before turning [his]466-worple attention back to [Harry]136-harry . " [[My]466-worple dear boy]5222-my dear boy , the gold [you]136-harry could make , [you]136-harry have no idea — "[466-worple] " [I]136-harry 'm definitely not interested , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry firmly , " and [I]136-harry 've just seen [a friend of mine]4953-a friend of mine , sorry . "[136-harry] [He]136-harry pulled [Luna]288-luna after [him]136-harry into [the crowd]4912-the crowd ; [he]136-harry had indeed just seen a long mane of brown hair disappear between what looked like [two members of [the Weird Sisters]2410-the weird sisters]2409-two members of the weird sisters . " [Hermione]358-hermione ! [Hermione]358-hermione ! "[136-harry] " [Harry]136-harry ! There [you]136-harry are , thank goodness ! Hi , [Luna]288-luna ! "[136-harry] " What 's happened to [you]136-harry ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry , for [Hermione]358-hermione looked distinctly disheveled , rather as though [she]358-hermione had just fought [her]358-hermione way out of a thicket of [Devil]468-devil 's Snare . " Oh , [I]358-hermione 've just escaped — [I]358-hermione mean , [I]358-hermione 've just left [Cormac]302-mclaggen , "[358-hermione] [she]358-hermione said . " Under the mistletoe , "[358-hermione] [she]358-hermione added in explanation , as [Harry]136-harry continued to look questioningly at [her]358-hermione . " Serves [you]358-hermione right for coming with [him]136-harry , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry told [her]358-hermione severely . " [I]358-hermione thought [he]136-harry 'd annoy [Ron]217-ron most , "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione dispassion - ately . " [I]358-hermione debated for a while about [Zacharias Smith]310-zacharias smith , but [I]358-hermione thought , on the whole — "[358-hermione] " [You]358-hermione considered [Smith]310-zacharias smith ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , revoked . " Yes , [I]136-harry did , and [I]136-harry 'm starting to wish [I]136-harry 'd chosen [him]136-harry , [McLaggen]302-mclaggen makes [Grawp]338-grawp look [a gentleman]5782-a gentleman . Let 's go this way , [we]1233-the three of them 'll be able to see [him]136-harry coming , [he]136-harry 's so tall . . . . "[136-harry] [The three of [them]1233-the three of them]1233-the three of them made [their]1233-the three of them way over to the other side of [the room]685-the room , scooping up goblets of mead on the way , realizing too late that [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney was standing there alone . " Hello , "[288-luna] said [Luna]288-luna politely to [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney . " Good evening , [[my]333-professor trelawney dear]4367-my dear , "[333-professor trelawney] said [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney , focusing upon [Luna]288-luna with some difficulty . [Harry]136-harry could smell cooking sherry again . " [I]136-harry have n't seen [you]288-luna in [my]136-harry classes lately . .. "[136-harry] " No , [I]288-luna 've got Firenze this year , "[288-luna] said [Luna]288-luna . " Oh , of course , "[333-professor trelawney] said [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney with an angry , drunken titter . " Or [Dobbin]469-dobbin , as [I]333-professor trelawney prefer to think of [him]469-dobbin . [You]288-luna would have thought , would [you]288-luna not , that now [I]333-professor trelawney am returned to [the school]1525-the school [Professor Dumbledore]146-dumbledore might have got rid of the horse ? But no ... [we]5785-we share classes . . . . It 's an insult , frankly , an insult . Do [you]288-luna know . . . "[333-professor trelawney] [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney seemed too tipsy to have recognized [Harry]136-harry . Under cover of [her]333-professor trelawney furious criticisms of [Firenze]347-firenze , [Harry]136-harry drew closer to [Hermione]358-hermione and said , " Let ' s get something straight . Are [you]288-luna planning to tell [Ron]217-ron that [you]288-luna interfered at Keeper tryouts ? "[136-harry] [Hermione]358-hermione raised [her]358-hermione eyebrows . " Do [you]288-luna really think [I]358-hermione 'd stoop that low ? "[358-hermione] -=-Harry looked at [her]358-hermione shrewdly . " [Hermione]358-hermione , if [you]288-luna can ask [0111 McLaggen]302-mclaggen — "[358-hermione] " There 's a difference , "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione with dignity . " [I]358-hermione 've got no plans to tell [Ron]217-ron anything about what might , or might not , have happened at Keeper tryouts . "[358-hermione] " Good , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry fervently . " Because [he]217-ron 'll just fall apart again , and [we]5786-we 'll lose the next match — "[136-harry] " [Quidditch]214-quidditch ! "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione angrily . " Is that [all boys]5787-all boys care about ? [Cormac]302-mclaggen has n't asked [me]358-hermione one single question about [myself]358-hermione , no , [I]358-hermione 've just been treated to ' A Hundred Great Saves Made by [Cormac McLaggen]302-mclaggen ' nonstop ever since — oh no , here [he]217-ron comes ! "[358-hermione] [She]358-hermione moved so fast it was as though [she]358-hermione had Disapparated ; one moment [she]358-hermione was there , the next , [she]358-hermione had squeezed between [two guffawing witches]2413-two guffawing witches and vanished . " Seen [Hermione]358-hermione ? "[302-mclaggen] asked [McLaggen]302-mclaggen , forcing [his]302-mclaggen way through [the throng]2414-the throng a minute later . " No , sorry , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , and [he]136-harry turned quickly to join in [Luna]288-luna 's conversation , forgetting for a split second to whom [she]358-hermione was talking . " [Harry Potter]136-harry ! "[333-professor trelawney] said [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney in deep , vibrant tones , noticing [him]136-harry for the first time . " Oh , hello , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry unenthusiastically . " [[My]358-hermione dear boy]5222-my dear boy ! "[358-hermione] [she]358-hermione said in a very carrying whisper . " The rumors ! The stories ! ' [The Chosen One]940-the chosen one ' ! Of course , [I]358-hermione have known for a very long time . . . . [The omens]5790-the omens were never good , [Harry]136-harry . . . But why have [you]136-harry not returned to Divination ? For [you]136-harry , of [all people]5791-all people , the subject is of the utmost importance ! "[358-hermione] " Ah , [Sybi l l]470-sybi l l , [we]5792-we all think [our]5792-we subject 's most important ! "[216-slughorn] said a loud voice , and [Slughorn]216-slughorn appeared at [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney s other side , [his]216-slughorn face very red , [his]216-slughorn velvet hat a little askew , a glass of mead in one hand and an enormous mince pie in the other . " But [I]216-slughorn do n't t hink [I]216-slughorn 've ever known such a natural at Potions ! "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn , re - garding [Harry]136-harry with a fond , if bloodshot , eye . " Instinctive , [you]136-harry know — like [[his]136-harry mother]1264-his mother ! [I]216-slughorn 've only ever taught [a few with this kind of ability]5794-a few with this kind of ability , [I]216-slughorn can tell [you]136-harry that , Sybi l l — why even [Severus]156-snape — "[216-slughorn] And to [Harry]136-harry 's horror , [Slughorn]216-slughorn threw out an arm and seemed to scoop Snape out of thin air toward [them]2415-them . " Stop skulking and come and join [us]2415-them , [Severus]156-snape ! "[216-slughorn] hiccuped [Slughorn]216-slughorn happily . " [I]216-slughorn was just talking about [Harry]136-harry 's exceptional po - tion - making ! Some credit must go to [you]136-harry , of course , [you]136-harry taught [him]136-harry for five years ! "[216-slughorn] [Trapped]471-trapped , with [Slughorns]472-slughorns arm around [his]136-harry shoulders , [Snape]156-snape looked down [his]156-snape hooked nose at [Harry]136-harry , [his]156-snape black eyes narrowed . " Funny , [I]156-snape never had the impression that [I]156-snape managed to teach [Potter]136-harry anything at all . "[156-snape] " Well , then , it 's natural ability ! "[216-slughorn] shouted [Slughorn]216-slughorn . " [You]136-harry should have seen what [he]136-harry gave [me]216-slughorn , first lesson , [Draught of Living Death]473-draught of living death — never had [a student]2101-a student produce finer on a first attempt , [I]216-slughorn do n't think even [you]136-harry , [Severus]156-snape — "[216-slughorn] " Really ? "[156-snape] said [Snape]156-snape quietly , [his]156-snape eyes still boring into [Harry]136-harry , who felt a certain disquiet . The last thing [he]156-snape wanted was for [Snape]156-snape to start investigating the source of [his]156-snape newfound brilliance at Potions . " Remind [me]216-slughorn what other subjects [you]136-harry 're taking , [Harry]136-harry ? "[216-slughorn] asked [Slughorn]216-slughorn . " Defense Against [the D ark Arts]5796-the d ark arts , Charms , Transfiguration , Herbology ... "[216-slughorn] " All the subjects required , in short , for [an Auror]4464-an auror , "[474-snap e] said [Snap e]474-snap e with the faintest sneer . " Yeah , well , that 's what [I]136-harry 'd like to do , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry defiantly . " And a great one [you]136-harry 'll make too ! "[216-slughorn] boomed [Slughorn]216-slughorn . " [I]288-luna do n't think [you]136-harry should be [an Auror]4464-an auror , [Harry]136-harry , "[288-luna] said [Luna]288-luna unex pectedly . [Everybody]4716-everybody looked at [her]288-luna . " [The Aurors]4970-the aurors are part of the Rotfang Conspiracy , [I]4716-everybody thought [everyone]4750-everyone knew that . [They]4970-the aurors 're planning to bring down [the Ministry of Magic]716-the ministry of magic from within using a c om bination of Dark Magic and gum disease . "[4716-everybody] [Harry]136-harry inhaled half [his]136-harry mead up [his]136-harry nose as [he]136-harry started to lau gh . Really , it had been worth bringing [Luna]288-luna just for this . Emerging , from [his]136-harry goblet , coughing , sopping wet but still grinning , [he]136-harry saw something calculated to raise [his]136-harry spirits even higher : [Draco Malf]475-draco malf o y being dragged by the ear toward [them]2417-them by [Argus Filch]476-filch . " [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn , "[476-filch] wheezed [Filch]476-filch , [his]476-filch jowls aquiver and the maniacal light of mischief - detection in [his]476-filch bulging eyes , " [I]476-filch discovered [this boy]5802-this boy lurking in an [upstairs corridor]5803-upstairs corridor . [He]5802-this boy claims to have been invited to [your]216-slughorn party and to have been delayed in setting out . Did [you]216-slughorn issue [him]5802-this boy with an invitation ? "[476-filch] [Malfoy]170-malfoy pulled [himself]170-malfoy free of [Filchs]477-filchs grip , looking furious . " All right , [I]170-malfoy was n't invited ! "[170-malfoy] [he]170-malfoy said angrily . " [I]170-malfoy was trying to gate crash , happy ? "[170-malfoy] " No , [I]476-filch 'm not ! "[476-filch] said [Filch]476-filch , a statement at complete odds with the glee on [his]476-filch face . " [You]216-slughorn 're in trouble , [you]216-slughorn are ! Did n't [the headma ster]5804-the headma ster say that nighttime prowling ' s out , unless [you]216-slughorn 've got permission , did n't [he]5802-this boy , eh ? "[170-malfoy] -=-"That 's all right , [Argus]476-filch , that 's all right , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn , waving it 1.1 nd . " It 's Christmas , and it 's not a crime to want to come to a party . Just this once , [we]5805-we 'll forget any punishment ; [you]216-slughorn may stay , [Draco]170-malfoy . [Fil ich]478-fil ich 's expression of outraged disappointment was perfectly pre di c t able ; but why , [Harry]136-harry wondered , watching [him]477-filchs , did [Malfoy]170-malfoy look almost equally unhappy ? And why was [Snape]156-snape looking at [Mal - foy]479-mal - foy as though both angry and . . . was it p ossible ? ... a lit tl afraid ? But almost before [Harry]136-harry had registered what [he]136-harry had seen , [Filch]476-filch had turned and shuffled away , muttering under [his]476-filch breath ; [Malfoy]170-malfoy h ad composed [his]170-malfoy face into a smile and was thanking [Slughorn]216-slughorn for [his]216-slughorn generosity , and [Snape]156-snape 's face was smoothly inscrutable again . "[216-slughorn] It 's nothing , nothing , " said [Slughorn]216-slughorn , waving away [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's t hanks . "[0-i] [I]0-i did know [[your]2418-you grandfather]2419-your grandfather , after all .... " "[2419-your grandfather] [He]2419-your grandfather always spoke very highly of [you]2418-you , [sir]985-sir , " said [Malfoy]170-malfoy quickly . "[2419-your grandfather] Said [you]2418-you were [the best potion - maker [he]2419-your grandfather 'd ever known]2421-the best potion - maker he 'd ever known . ... " [Harry]136-harry stared at [Malfoy]170-malfoy . It was not the sucking - up that intrigued [him]136-harry ; [he]136-harry had watched [Malfoy]170-malfoy do that to [Snape]156-snape for a long time . It was the fact that [Malfoy]170-malfoy did , after all , look a little ill . This was the first time [he]136-harry had seen [Malfoy]170-malfoy close up for ages ; [he]136-harry now saw that [Malfoy]170-malfoy had dark shadows under [his]170-malfoy eyes and a distinctly grayish tinge to [his]170-malfoy skin . "[0-i] [I]0-i 'd like a word with [you]2418-you , [Draco]170-malfoy , " said [Snape]156-snape suddenly . "[170-malfoy] Now , [Severus]156-snape , " said [Slughorn]216-slughorn , hiccuping again , "[156-snape] it 's [Christ mas]480-christ mas , do n't be too hard — " "[0-i] [I]0-i am [[his]2418-you Head of House]2422-his head of house , and [I]0-i shall decide how hard , or other - wise , to be , " said [Snape]156-snape curtly . "[170-malfoy] Follow [me]0-i , [Draco]170-malfoy . " [They]5806-they left , [Snape]156-snape leading the way , [Malfoy]170-malfoy looking resentful . [Harry]136-harry stood there for a moment , irresolute , then said , "[170-malfoy] [I]0-i 'll be back in a bit , [Luna]288-luna — er — bathroom . " "[288-luna] All right , " [she]5807-she said cheerfully , and [he]136-harry thought [he]136-harry heard [her]5807-she , as [he]136-harry hurried off into [the crowd]4912-the crowd , resume the subject of the Rotfang Conspiracy with [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney , who seemed sincerely in terested . It was easy , once out of [the party]1404-the party , to pull [his]136-harry Invisibility Cloak out of [his]136-harry pocket and throw it over [himself]136-harry , for [the corridor]4994-the corridor was quite deserted . What was more difficult was finding [Snape]156-snape and [Malfoy]170-malfoy . [Harry]136-harry ran down [the corridor]4994-the corridor , the noise of [his]136-harry feet masked by the music and loud talk still issuing from [[Slughorn]216-slughorn 's office]5766-slughorn 's office behind [him]136-harry . Perhaps [Snape]156-snape had taken [Malfoy]170-malfoy to [[his]156-snape office in [the dungeons]5814-the dungeons]5813-his office in the dungeons ... or perhaps [he]156-snape was escorting [him]170-malfoy back to [the Slyt herin common room]5815-the slyt herin common room . . . . [Harry]136-harry pressed [his]136-harry ear against door after door as [he]136-harry dashed down [the corridor]4994-the corridor until , with a great jolt of excitement , [he]136-harry crouched down to the keyhole of [the last classroom in [the corridor]4994-the corridor]5817-the last classroom in the corridor and heard voices . "[288-luna] . . . can not afford mistakes , [Draco]170-malfoy , because if [you]170-malfoy are expelled — " "[0-i] [I]0-i did n't have anything to do with it , all right ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i hope [you]170-malfoy are telling the truth , because it was both clumsy a nd foolish . Already [you]170-malfoy are suspected of having a hand in it . " "[170-malfoy] Who suspects [me]0-i ? " said [Malfoy]170-malfoy angrily . "[170-malfoy] For the last time , [I]0-i did n't do it , okay ? [That Bell girl]2423-that bell girl must ' ve had [an enemy no on e]2424-an enemy no on e knows about — do n't look at [me]0-i like that ! [I]0-i know what [you]170-malfoy 're do - ing , [I]0-i 'm not stupid , but it wo n't work — [I]0-i can stop [you]170-malfoy ! " There was a pause and then [Snape]156-snape said quietly , "[0-i] Ah . . . [Aunt Bellatrix]481-aunt bellatrix has been teaching [you]170-malfoy Occlumency , [I]0-i see . What thoughts are [you]170-malfoy trying to conceal from [[your]170-malfoy master]2425-your master , [Draco]170-malfoy ? " "[170-malfoy] [I]0-i 'm not trying to conceal anything from [him]2425-your master , [I]0-i just do n't want [you]170-malfoy butting in ! " [Harry]136-harry pressed [his]136-harry ear still more closely against the keyhole . . . . What had happened to make [Malfoy]170-malfoy speak to [Snape]156-snape like this — [Snape]156-snape , toward whom [he]170-malfoy had always shown respect , even liking ? "[170-malfoy] So that is why [you]170-malfoy have been avoiding [me]0-i this term ? [You]170-malfoy have feared [my]0-i interference ? [You]170-malfoy realize that , had [anybody else]1679-anybody else failed to come to [[my]0-i office]4453-my office when [I]0-i had told [them]1679-anybody else repeatedly to be [there]4506-there , [Draco]170-malfoy — " "[0-i] So put [me]0-i in detention ! Report [me]0-i to [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ! " jeered [Malfoy]170-malfoy . There was another pause . Then [Snape]156-snape said , "[170-malfoy] [You]170-malfoy know perfectly well that [I]0-i do not wish to do either of those things . " "[170-malfoy] [You]170-malfoy 'd better stop telling [me]0-i to come to [[your]170-malfoy office]2429-your office then ! " "[170-malfoy] Listen to [me]0-i , " said [Snape]156-snape , [his]156-snape voice so low now that [Harry]136-harry had to push [his]136-harry ear very hard against the keyhole to hear . "[0-i] [I]0-i am trying to help [you]170-malfoy . [I]0-i swore to [[your]170-malfoy mother]4687-your mother [I]0-i would protect [you]170-malfoy . [I]0-i made the Unbreakable Vow , [Draco]170-malfoy — " "[170-malfoy] Looks like [you]170-malfoy 'll have to break it , then , because [I]0-i do n't need [your]170-malfoy protection ! It 's [my]0-i job , [he]170-malfoy gave it to [me]0-i and [I]0-i 'm doing it , [I]0-i 've got a plan and it 's going to work , it 's just taking a bit longer than [I]0-i thought it would ! " "[170-malfoy] What is [your]170-malfoy plan ? " "[170-malfoy] It 's none of [your]170-malfoy business ! " "[170-malfoy] If [you]170-malfoy tell [me]0-i what [you]170-malfoy are trying to do , [I]0-i can assist [you]170-malfoy ... " "[0-i] [I]0-i have all the assistance [I]0-i need , thanks , [I]0-i 'm not alone ! " "[170-malfoy] [You]170-malfoy were certainly alone tonight , which was foolish in [the ex - treme]2431-the ex - treme , wandering [the corridors]1409-the corridors without lookouts or [backup]2433-backup , these are elementary mistakes — " "[0-i] [I]0-i would 've had [Crabbe]313-crabbe and [Goyle]312-goyle with [me]0-i if [you]170-malfoy had n't put [them]2434-they in detention ! " "[170-malfoy] Keep [your]170-malfoy voice down ! " spat [Snape]156-snape , for [Malfoy]170-malfoy ' s voice had risen excitedly . "[170-malfoy] If [[your]170-malfoy friends]4753-your friends [Crabbe]313-crabbe and [Goyle]312-goyle intend to pass [their]2434-they Defense Against the Dark Arts OWL this time around , [they]2434-they will need to work a little harder than [they]2434-they are doing at pres — " "[2434-they] What does it matter ? " said [Malfoy]170-malfoy . "[2434-they] Defense Against [the Dark Arts]250-the dark arts — its all just a joke , is n't it , an act ? Like any of [us]2436-us need pro - tecting against [the Dark Arts]250-the dark arts — " "[250-the dark arts] It is an act that is crucial to success , [Draco]170-malfoy ! " said [Snape]156-snape . "[170-malfoy] Where do [you]170-malfoy think [I]0-i would have been all these years , if [I]0-i had not known how to act ? Now listen to [me]0-i ! [You]170-malfoy are being incautious , wandering around at night , getting [yourself]170-malfoy caught , and if [you]170-malfoy are placing [your]170-malfoy reliance in [assistants]2437-assistants like [Crabbe]313-crabbe and [Goyle]312-goyle — " "[170-malfoy] [They]2437-assistants 're not [the only ones]2438-the only ones , [I]0-i 've got [other people]5616-other people on [my]0-i side , [better people]2440-better people ! " "[2440-better people] Then why not confide in [me]0-i , and [I]0-i can — " "[0-i] [I]0-i know what [you]170-malfoy 're up to ! [You]170-malfoy want to steal [my]0-i glory ! " There was another pause , then [Snape]156-snape said coldly , "[170-malfoy] [You]170-malfoy are speaking like [a child]4873-a child . [I]0-i quite understand that [[your]170-malfoy fathers]2442-your fathers capture and imprisonment has upset [you]170-malfoy , but — " [Harry]136-harry had barely a second ' s warning ; [he]136-harry heard [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's footsteps on the other side of the door and flung [himself]136-harry out of the way just as it burst open . [Malfoy]170-malfoy was striding away down [the corridor]4994-the corridor , past the open door of [Slughorns office]5820-slughorns office , around the distant corner , and out of sight . Hardly daring to breathe , [Harry]136-harry remained crouched down as [Snape]156-snape emerged slowly from [the classroom]1627-the classroom . [His]156-snape expression unfath - omable , [he]156-snape returned to the party . [Harry]136-harry remained on the floor , hid - den beneath the cloak , [his]136-harry mind racing .[0-i] Chapter 16 : A very frosty Christmas “ So [Snape]156-snape was offering to help [him]156-snape ? [He]156-snape was definitely offering to help [him]156-snape ? "[0-i] " If [you]156-snape ask . that once more , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , " [I]136-harry 'm going to stick this sprout — "[136-harry] " [I]217-ron 'm only checking ! "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron . [They]2443-they were standing alone at [the Burrow]4579-the burrow 's kitchen sink , peeling a mountain of sprouts for [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid . [Snow]451-the unbreakable vow snow was drifting past the window in front of [them]2443-they . " Yes , [Snape]156-snape was offering to help [him]156-snape ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [He]156-snape said [he]156-snape 'd promised [[Malfoy]170-malfoy 's mother]5822-malfoy 's mother to protect [him]156-snape , that [he]156-snape 'd made an Un - breakable Oath or something — "[136-harry] " An Unbreakable Vow ? "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , looking stunned . " Nah , [he]156-snape ca n't have . . . . Are [you]217-ron sure ? "[217-ron] " Yes , [I]136-harry 'm sure , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Why , what does it mean ? "[136-harry] “ Well , [you]217-ron ca n't break an Unbreakable Vow . . . . "[217-ron] " [I]217-ron 'd worked that much out for [myself]217-ron , funnily enough . What happens if [you]217-ron break it , then ? "[217-ron] " [You]217-ron die , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron simply . " [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george tried to get [me]217-ron to make one when [I]217-ron was about five . [I]217-ron nearly did too , [I]217-ron was holding hands with [Fred]232-fred and everything when [Dad]242-dad found [us]5823-us . [He]242-dad went mental , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , with a reminiscent gleam in [his]217-ron eyes . " Only time [I]217-ron 've ever seen [Dad]242-dad as angry as [Mum]235-mum , [Fred]232-fred reckons [his]242-dad left but - tock has never been the same since . "[217-ron] " Yeah , well , passing over [Fred]232-fred 's left buttock — "[217-ron] " [I]232-fred beg [your]217-ron pardon ? "[232-fred] said [Fred]232-fred 's voice as [the twins]4910-the twins entered [the kitchen]1147-the kitchen . " Aaah , [George]233-george , look at this . [They]4910-the twins 're using knives and everything . Bless [them]4910-the twins . "[232-fred] " [I]217-ron 'll be seventeen in two and a bit months ' time , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron grumpily , " and then [I]217-ron 'll be able to do it by magic ! "[217-ron] " But meanwhile , "[233-george] said [George]233-george , sitting down at the kitchen table and putting [his]2447-his feet up on it , " [we]4910-the twins can enjoy watching [you]217-ron demon - strate the correct use of a — whoops - a - daisy ! "[233-george] " [You]217-ron made [me]217-ron do that ! "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron angrily , sucking [his]217-ron cut thumb . " [You]217-ron wait , when [I]217-ron 'm seventeen — "[217-ron] " [I]232-fred 'm sure [you]217-ron 'll dazzle [us]4910-the twins all with hitherto unsuspected magical skills , "[232-fred] yawned [Fred]232-fred . " And speaking of hitherto unsuspected skills , [Ronald]220-mr. weasley , "[233-george] said [George]233-george , " what is this [we]4910-the twins hear from [Ginny]236-ginny about [you]220-mr. weasley and [a young lady called — unless [our]4910-the twins information]5824-a young lady called — unless our information is faulty — [Lavender Brown]343-lavender ? "[233-george] [Ron]217-ron turned a little pink , but did not look displeased as [he]217-ron turned back to the sprouts . " Mind [your]220-mr. weasley own business . "[217-ron] " What a snappy retort , "[232-fred] said [Fred]232-fred . " [I]232-fred really do n't know how [you]220-mr. weasley think of [them]5825-them . No , what [we]4910-the twins wanted to know was ... how did it happen ? "[232-fred] " What d'you mean ? "[217-ron] " Did [she]236-ginny have an accident or something ? "[217-ron] " What ? "[232-fred] .. | ; " Well , how did [she]236-ginny sustain such extensive brain damage ? Care - ful , now ! "[218-hagrid] [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid entered [the room]685-the room just in time to see [Ron]217-ron throw the sprout knife at [Fred]232-fred , who had turned it into a paper airplane with one lazy flick of [his]217-ron wand , " [Ron]217-ron ! "[218-hagrid] [she]218-hagrid said furiously . " Do n't [you]217-ron ever let [me]218-hagrid see [you]217-ron throw - ing knives again ! "[218-hagrid] " [I]217-ron wo nt , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , " let [you]218-hagrid see , "[217-ron] [he]217-ron added under [his]217-ron breath , as [he]217-ron turned back to [the sprout mountain]2449-the sprout mountain . " [Fred]232-fred , [George]233-george , [I]217-ron 'm sorry , [dears]5826-dears , but [Remus]227-lupin is arriving tonight , so [Bill]241-bill will have to squeeze in with [you]5826-dears two . "[217-ron] ; " No problem , "[233-george] said [George]233-george . - " Then , as [Charlie]256-charlie is n't coming [home]1044-home , that just leaves [Harry]136-harry and ; [|/ Ron]217-ron in [the attic]5828-the attic , and if [Fleur]238-fleur shares with [Ginny]236-ginny — "[233-george] " — that 'll make [Ginny]236-ginny 's Christmas — "[232-fred] muttered [Fred]232-fred . " — [everyone]4750-everyone should be comfortable . Well , [they]4750-everyone 'll have a bed , anyway , "[218-hagrid] said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , sounding slightly harassed . " [Percy]245-percy definitely not showing [his]245-percy ugly face , then ? "[232-fred] asked [Fred]232-fred . [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid turned away before [she]218-hagrid answered . " No , [he]245-percy 's busy , [I]218-hagrid expect , at [the Ministry]4400-the ministry . "[218-hagrid] " Or [he]245-percy 's [the world]714-the world 's biggest prat , "[232-fred] said [Fred]232-fred , as [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid left [the kitchen]1147-the kitchen . " [One of [the two]5833-the two]5832-one of the two . "[232-fred] Well , let 's get going , then , [George]233-george . " "[233-george] What are [you]2451-you two up to ? " asked [Ron]217-ron . "[2451-you] Ca nt [you]2451-you help [us]2451-you with these sprouts ? [You]2451-you could just use [your]2451-you wand and then [we]2451-you 'll be free too ! " "[2451-you] No , [I]0-i do n't think [we]2451-you can do that , " said [Fred]232-fred seriously . "[0-i] It 's very character - building stuff , learning to peel sprouts without magic , makes [you]2451-you appreciate how difficult it is for [Muggles]143-muggles and [Squibs]482-squibs — " "[482-squibs] — and if [you]2451-you want [people]681-people to help [you]2451-you , [Ron]217-ron , " added [George]233-george , throwing [the paper airplane]5834-the paper airplane at [him]2451-you , "[217-ron] [I]0-i would n't chuck knives at [them]681-people . Just a little hint . [We]2451-you 're off to [the village]1756-the village , there 's [a very pretty girl working in [the paper shop]2455-the paper shop who thinks [my]0-i card tricks are some - thing marvelous . . , almost like real magic]2454-a very pretty girl working in the paper shop who thinks my card tricks are some - thing marvelous . . , almost like real magic . ... " "[2454-a very pretty girl working in the paper shop who thinks my card tricks are some - thing marvelous . . , almost like real magic] Gits , " said [Ron]217-ron darkly , watching [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george setting off across [the snowy yard]5835-the snowy yard . "[2454-a very pretty girl working in the paper shop who thinks my card tricks are some - thing marvelous . . , almost like real magic] Would 've only taken [them]681-people ten seconds and then [we]2451-you could 've gone too . " "[0-i] [I]0-i could n't , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[0-i] [I]0-i promised [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore [I]0-i would n't wander off while [I]0-i 'm staying [here]4439-here . " "[0-i] Oh yeah , " said [Ron]217-ron . [He]217-ron peeled a few more sprouts and then said , "[0-i] Are [you]146-dumbledore going to tell [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore what [you]146-dumbledore heard [Snape]156-snape and [Malfoy]170-malfoy saying to [each other]4377-each other ? " "[146-dumbledore] Yep , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[146-dumbledore] [I]0-i 'm going to tell [anyone who can put a stop to it]2458-anyone who can put a stop to it , and [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ’s top of the list . [I]0-i might have another word with [[your]146-dumbledore dad]4814-your dad too . " "[0-i] Pity [you]0-i did n't hear what [Malfoy]170-malfoy ’s actually doing , though . " "[0-i] [I]0-i could n't have done , could [I]0-i ? That was the whole point , [he]4814-your dad was refusing to tell [Snape]156-snape . " There was silence for a moment or two , then [Ron]217-ron said , "[4814-your dad] ' Course , [you]0-i know what [they]2460-they 'll all say ? [Dad]242-dad and [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore and [all of [them]2460-they]2461-all of them ? [They]2460-they 'll say [Snape]156-snape is n't really trying to help [Malfoy]170-malfoy , [he]156-snape was just trying to find out what [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's up to . " "[156-snape] [They]2460-they did n't hear [him]156-snape , " said [Harry]136-harry flatly . "[2460-they] [No one]4841-no one 's that good [an actor]2463-an actor , not even [Snape]156-snape . " "[156-snape] Yeah . . . [I]0-i 'm just saying , though/ ' said [Ron]217-ron . [Harry]136-harry turned to face [him]0-i , frowning . " [You]0-i think [I]136-harry 'm right , though ? "[136-harry] , " Yeah , [I]217-ron do ! "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron hastily . " Seriously , [I]217-ron do ! But [they]5836-they 're all convinced [Snape]156-snape 's in the Order , are n't [they]5836-they ? "[217-ron] [Harry]136-harry said nothing . It had already occurred to [him]136-harry that this would be the most likely objection to [his]136-harry new evidence ; [he]136-harry could hear [Hermione]358-hermione now : Obviously , [Harry]136-harry , [he]136-harry was pretending to offer help so [he]136-harry could trick [Malfoy]170-malfoy into telling [him]136-harry what [he]136-harry 's doing . . . . This was pure imagination , however , as [he]136-harry had had no opportu - nity to tell [Hermione]358-hermione what [he]136-harry had overheard . [She]358-hermione had disappeared from [Slughorn]216-slughorn 's party before [he]136-harry returned to it , or so [he]136-harry had been informed by [an irate McLaggen]2464-an irate mclaggen , and [she]358-hermione had already gone to bed by the time [he]136-harry returned to [the common room]1602-the common room . As [he]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron had left for [the Burrow]25-the burrow early the next day , [he]136-harry had barely had time to wish [her]358-hermione a happy Christmas and to tell [her]358-hermione that [he]136-harry had some very important news when [they]2466-they got back from the holidays . [He]136-harry was not entirely sure that [she]358-hermione had heard [him]136-harry , though ; [Ron]217-ron and [Lavender]343-lavender had been saying a thoroughly nonverbal good - bye just behind [him]136-harry at the time . Still , even [Hermione]358-hermione would not be able to deny one thing : [Mal - foy]479-mal - foy was definitely up to something , and [Snape]156-snape knew it , so [Harry]136-harry felt fully justified in saying " [I]136-harry told [you]156-snape so , "[136-harry] which [he]136-harry had done sev - eral times to [Ron]217-ron already . [Harry]136-harry did not get the chance to speak to [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley , who was working very long hours at [the Ministry]4400-the ministry , until Christmas Eve night . [The Weasleys]219-the weasleys and [[their]2466-they guests]2468-their guests were sitting in [the living room]4585-the living room , which [Ginny]236-ginny had decorated so lavishly that it was rather like sitting in a paper - chain explosion . [Fred]232-fred , [George]233-george , [Harry]136-harry , and [Ron]217-ron were [the only ones who knew that the angel on top of the tree]2470-the only ones who knew that the angel on top of the tree was actually a garden gnome that had bitten [Fred]232-fred on the ankle as hr pulled up carrots for Christmas dinner . Stupefied , painted gold , stuffed into a miniature tutu and with small wings glued to il.s back , it glowered down at [them]2471-them all , the ugliest angel [Harry]136-harry had ever seen , with a large bald head like a potato and rather hairy feet . [They]2471-them were all supposed to be listening to a Christmas broadcast by [[Mrs. Weasleys]219-the weasleys favorite singer]2472-mrs. weasleys favorite singer , [Celestina Warbeck]483-celestina , whose voice was warbling out of the large wooden wireless set . [Fleur]238-fleur , who seemed to find [Celestina]483-celestina very dull , was talking so loudly in the corner that [a scowling Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid kept pointing [her]238-fleur wand at the volume con - trol , so that [Celestina]483-celestina grew louder and louder . Under cover of a par - ticularly jazzy number called " [A Cauldron Full of Hot , Strong Love]484-a cauldron full of hot , strong love , "[232-fred] [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george started a game of Exploding Snap with [Ginny]236-ginny . [Ron]217-ron kept shooting [Bill]241-bill and [Fleur]238-fleur covert looks , as though hoping to pick up tips . Meanwhile , [Remus Lupin]227-lupin , who was thinner and more ragged - looking than ever , was sitting beside the fire , staring into its depths as though [he]227-lupin could not hear [Celestinas]485-celestinas voice . Oh , come and stir [[my]0-i cauldron]2473-my cauldron , And if [you]2474-you do it right , [I]0-i 'll boil [you]2474-you up some hot strong love To keep [you]2474-you warm tonight . " [We]5837-we danced to this when [we]5837-we were eighteen ! "[218-hagrid] said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , wiping [her]218-hagrid eyes on [her]218-hagrid knitting . " Do [you]136-harry remember , [Arthur]222-arthur ? "[218-hagrid] " Mphf ? "[220-mr. weasley] said [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley , whose head had been nodding over the satsuma [he]220-mr. weasley was peeling . " Oh yes ... marvelous tune . . . "[220-mr. weasley] With an effort , [he]220-mr. weasley sat up a little straighter and looked around at [Harry]136-harry , who was sitting next to [him]220-mr. weasley . " Sorry about this , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said , jerking [his]136-harry head toward the wireless as [Celestina]483-celestina broke into the chorus . " Be over soon . "[483-celestina] " No problem , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , grinning . " Has it been busy at [the Ministry]17-the ministry ? "[136-harry] " Very , "[220-mr. weasley] said [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley . " [I]220-mr. weasley would n't mind if [we]5837-we were getting anywhere , but of the three arrests [we]5837-we 've made in the last couple of months , [I]220-mr. weasley doubt that one of [them]5838-they is [a genuine Death Eater]5839-a genuine death eater — only do n't repeat that , [Harry]136-harry , "[220-mr. weasley] [he]220-mr. weasley added quickly , looking much more awake all of a sudden . " [They]5838-they 're not still holding [Stan Shunpike]385-stan shunpike , are [they]5838-they ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry . " [I]220-mr. weasley 'm afraid so , "[220-mr. weasley] said [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley . " [I]220-mr. weasley know [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's tried appealing directly to [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour about [Stan]385-stan shunpike . ... [I]220-mr. weasley mean , [anybody who has actually interviewed [him]385-stan shunpike]5840-anybody who has actually interviewed him agrees that [he]385-stan shunpike 's about as much [a Death Eater as this satsuma]5841-a death eater as this satsuma . . . but the top levels want to look as though [they]5838-they 're making some progress , and ' three arrests ' sounds better than ' three mistaken arrests and releases ' . . . but again , this is all top secret . . . . "[220-mr. weasley] " [I]136-harry wo n't say anything , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . [He]136-harry hesitated for a moment , wondering how best to embark on what [he]136-harry wanted to say ; as [he]136-harry marshaled [his]136-harry thoughts , [Celestina Warbeck]483-celestina began a ballad called " [You]5842-you Charmed the Heart Right Out of [Me]483-celestina . "[483-celestina] " [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley , [you]220-mr. weasley know what [I]220-mr. weasley told [you]220-mr. weasley at [the station]4969-the station when [we]5844-we were setting off for [school]4622-school ? "[220-mr. weasley] " [I]220-mr. weasley checked , [Harry]136-harry , "[220-mr. weasley] said [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley at once . " [I]220-mr. weasley went and searched [[the Malfoys]266-the malfoys ' house]1980-the malfoys ' house . There was nothing , either broken or whole , that should n't have been there . "[220-mr. weasley] " Yeah , [I]220-mr. weasley know , [I]220-mr. weasley saw in [the Prophet]247-the prophet that [you]136-harry 'd looked . . . but this is something different . . . . Well , something more ... "[220-mr. weasley] And [he]220-mr. weasley told [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley everything [he]220-mr. weasley had overheard between [Malfoy]170-malfoy and [Snape]156-snape , As [Harry]136-harry spoke , [he]136-harry saw [Lupin]227-lupin 's head turn a lit - tle toward [him]136-harry , taking in every word . When [he]220-mr. weasley had finished , there was silence , except for [Celestina]483-celestina 's crooning . Oh , [my]0-i poor heart , where has it gone ? It 's left [me]0-i for a spell ... " Has it occurred to [you]136-harry , [Harry]136-harry , "[220-mr. weasley] said [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley , " that [Snape]156-snape was simply pretending — ? "[220-mr. weasley] " Pretending to offer help , so that [he]156-snape could find out what [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's up to ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry quickly . " Yeah , [I]136-harry thought [you]227-lupin 'd say that . But how do [we]5847-we know ? "[136-harry] " It is n't [our]5847-we business to know , "[227-lupin] said [Lupin]227-lupin unexpectedly . [He]227-lupin had turned [his]227-lupin back on the fire now and faced [Harry]136-harry across [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley . " [It]5848-it 's [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ’s business . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore trusts [Severus]156-snape , and that ought to be good enough for [all of [us]5847-we]4872-all of us . "[227-lupin] " But , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , " just say — just say [Dumbledores]426-dumbledores wrong about [Snape]156-snape — "[136-harry] " [People]681-people have said it , many times . It comes down to whether or not [you]227-lupin trust [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ’s judgment . [I]227-lupin do ; therefore , [I]227-lupin trust [Severus]156-snape . "[227-lupin] " But [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore can make mistakes , "[136-harry] argued [Harry]136-harry . " [He]146-dumbledore says it [himself]146-dumbledore . And [you]227-lupin "[136-harry] — [he]136-harry looked [Lupin]227-lupin straight in the eye — " do [you]227-lupin honestly like [Snape]156-snape ? "[136-harry] " [I]227-lupin neither like nor dislike [Severus]156-snape , "[227-lupin] said [Lupin]227-lupin . " No , [Harry]136-harry , [I]227-lupin am speaking the truth , "[227-lupin] [he]227-lupin added , as [Harry]136-harry pulled a skeptical expres - sion . " [We]5851-we shall never be [bosom friends]5852-bosom friends , perhaps ; after all that hap - pened between [James]136-harry and [Sirius]144-sirius and [Severus]156-snape , there is too much bitterness there . But [I]136-harry do not forget that during the year [I]136-harry taught at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , [Severus]156-snape made the Wolfsbane Potion for [me]136-harry every month , made it perfectly , so that [I]136-harry did not have to suffer as [I]136-harry usu - ally do at the full moon . "[136-harry] " But [he]156-snape ' accidentally ' let it slip that [you]136-harry 're [a werewolf]5853-a werewolf , so [you]136-harry had to leave ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry angrily . [Lupin]227-lupin shrugged . " The news would have leaked out anyway . [We]5851-we both know [he]156-snape wanted [my]227-lupin job , but [he]156-snape could have wreaked much worse damage on [me]227-lupin by tampering with the potion . [He]156-snape kept [me]227-lupin healthy . [I]227-lupin must be grateful . "[227-lupin] " Maybe [he]156-snape did n't dare mess with the potion with [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore watching [him]156-snape ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [You]136-harry are determined to hate [him]156-snape , [Harry]136-harry , "[227-lupin] said [Lupin]227-lupin with a faint smile . " And [I]227-lupin understand ; with [James]136-harry as [[your]136-harry father]4684-your father , with [Sir - ius]5855-sir - ius as [[your]136-harry godfather]5856-your godfather , [you]136-harry have inherited an old prejudice . By all means tell [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore what [you]136-harry have told [Arthur]222-arthur and [me]227-lupin , but do not expect [him]146-dumbledore to share [your]136-harry view of the matter ; do not even expect [him]146-dumbledore to be surprised by what [you]136-harry tell [him]146-dumbledore . It might have been on [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's orders that [Severus]156-snape questioned [Draco]170-malfoy . "[227-lupin] ; . . . and now [you]2475-you 've torn it quite apart [I]0-i 'll thank [you]2475-you to give back [my]0-i heart ! [Celestina]483-celestina ended [her]483-celestina song on a very long , high - pitched note and loud applause issued out of the wireless , which [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid joined in with enthusiastically . " Eez eet over ? "[238-fleur] said [Fleur]238-fleur loudly . " Thank goodness , what an ' orrible — "[238-fleur] " Shall [we]5857-we have a nightcap , then ? "[220-mr. weasley] asked [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley loudly , leaping to [his]220-mr. weasley feet . " Who wants eggnog ? "[220-mr. weasley] " What have [you]227-lupin been up to lately ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry asked [Lupin]227-lupin , as [Mr , Weasley]220-mr. weasley bustled off to fetch the eggnog , and [everybody else]5199-everybody else stretched and broke into conversation . " Oh , [I]227-lupin 've been underground , "[227-lupin] said [Lupin]227-lupin . " Almost literally . That 's why [I]227-lupin have n't been able to write , [Harry]136-harry ; sending letters to [you]136-harry would have been something of a giveaway . "[227-lupin] - : " What do [you]227-lupin mean ? "[227-lupin] ' " [I]227-lupin 've been living among [[my]227-lupin fellows]5858-my fellows , [[my]227-lupin equals]5859-my equals , "[227-lupin] said [Lupin]227-lupin . " [Werewolves]262-werewolves , "[227-lupin] [he]227-lupin added , at [Harrys]269-harrys look of incomprehension . " Nearly all of [them]262-werewolves are on [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's side . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore wanted [a spy]896-a spy and [here]4439-here [I]227-lupin was . . . ready - made . "[227-lupin] [He]227-lupin sounded a little bitter , and perhaps realized it , for [he]227-lupin smiled more warmly as [he]227-lupin went on , " [I]227-lupin am not complaining ; it is necessary work and who can do it better than [I]227-lupin ? However , it has been difficult gaining [their]262-werewolves trust . [I]227-lupin bear the unmistakable signs of having tried to live among [wizards]713-wizards , [you]5863-you see , whereas [they]262-werewolves have shunned [normal society]5864-normal society and live on the margins , stealing — and sometimes killing — to eat . "[227-lupin] " How come [they]262-werewolves like [Voldemort]192-voldemort ? "[227-lupin] " [They]262-werewolves think that , under [his]192-voldemort rule , [they]262-werewolves will have a better life , "[227-lupin] said [Lupin]227-lupin . " And it is hard to argue with [Greyback]283-greyback out there . . . . "[227-lupin] " Who 's [Greyback]283-greyback ? "[227-lupin] " [You]227-lupin have n't heard of [him]283-greyback ? "[227-lupin] [Lupin]227-lupin 's hands closed convulsively in [his]227-lupin lap . " [Fenrir Greyback]283-greyback is , perhaps , [the most savage werewolf alive today]5865-the most savage werewolf alive today . [He]283-greyback regards it as [his]283-greyback mission in life to bite and to conta - minate as many [people]681-people as possible ; [he]283-greyback wants to create enough were - wolves to overcome [the wizards]5867-the wizards . [Voldemort]192-voldemort has promised [him]283-greyback prey in return for [his]283-greyback services . [Greyback]283-greyback specializes in [children]5576-children . . . . Bite [them]5576-children young , [he]283-greyback says , and raise [them]5576-children away from [[their]5576-children parents]5869-their parents , raise [them]5576-children to hate [normal wizards]5870-normal wizards . [Voldemort]192-voldemort has threatened to unleash [him]283-greyback upon [[people]681-people 's sons]5872-people 's sons and [daughters]5873-daughters ; it is a threat that usually produces good results . "[227-lupin] [Lupin]227-lupin paused and then said , " It was [Greyback]283-greyback who bit [me]227-lupin . "[227-lupin] " What ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , astonished . " When — when [you]227-lupin were [a kid]5874-a kid , [you]227-lupin mean ? "[136-harry] " Yes . [[My]227-lupin father]5086-my father had offended [him]5086-my father . [I]227-lupin did not know , for a very long time , the identity of [the werewolf who had attacked [me]227-lupin]5876-the werewolf who had attacked me ; [I]227-lupin even felt pity for [him]283-greyback , thinking that [he]283-greyback had had no control , know - ing by then how it felt to transform . But [Greyback]283-greyback is not like that . At the full moon , [he]283-greyback positions [himself]283-greyback close to [victims]5877-victims , ensuring that [he]283-greyback is near enough to strike . [He]283-greyback plans it all . And this is [the man [Voldemort]192-voldemort is using to marshal [the werewolves]5879-the werewolves]5878-the man voldemort is using to marshal the werewolves . [I]227-lupin can not pretend that [my]227-lupin particular brand of reasoned argument is making much headway against [Greyback]283-greyback 's insistence that [we]5880-we werewolves deserve blood , that [we]5880-we ought to revenge [ourselves]5880-we on [normal people]5881-normal people . "[227-lupin] " But [you]227-lupin are normal ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry fiercely . " [You]227-lupin 've just got a — a problem — "[136-harry] [Lupin]227-lupin burst out laughing . " Sometimes [you]227-lupin remind [me]227-lupin a lot of [James]136-harry . [He]136-harry called it [my]227-lupin ' furry little problem in company . [Many people]5205-many people were under the impression that [I]227-lupin owned a badly behaved rabbit . "[227-lupin] [He]227-lupin accepted a glass of eggnog from [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley with a word of thanks , looking slightly more cheerful , [Harry]136-harry , meanwhile , felt a rush of excitement : This last mention of [[his]136-harry father]904-his father had reminded [him]136-harry that there was something [he]136-harry had been looking forward to ask - ing [Lupin]227-lupin . " Have [you]136-harry ever heard of someone called [the Half - Blood Prince]649-the half - blood prince ? "[136-harry] " The Half - Blood what ? "[227-lupin] " [Prince]5884-prince , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , watching [him]227-lupin closely for signs of recogni - tion . " There are [no Wizarding princes]5885-no wizarding princes , "[227-lupin] said [Lupin]227-lupin , now smiling . " Is this a title [you]136-harry re thinking of adopting ? [I]227-lupin should have thought be - ing ' [the Chosen One]940-the chosen one ' would be enough . "[227-lupin] " It 's nothing to do with [me]136-harry ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry indignantly . " [The Half - Blood Prince]649-the half - blood prince is someone who used to go to [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , [I]136-harry 've got [his]649-the half - blood prince old Potions book . [He]649-the half - blood prince wrote spells all over it , spells [he]649-the half - blood prince invented . One of them was [Levicorpus]486-levicorpus — "[136-harry] " Oh , that one had a great vogue during [my]227-lupin time at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , "[227-lupin] said [Lupin]227-lupin reminiscently . " There were a few months in [my]227-lupin fifth year when [you]136-harry could n't move for being hoisted into the air by [your]136-harry ankle . "[227-lupin] " [[My]136-harry dad]5008-my dad used it , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [I]136-harry saw [him]5008-my dad in [the Pensieve]65-the pensieve , [he]5008-my dad used it on Snape . "[136-harry] [He]136-harry tried to sound casual , as though this was a throwaway com - ment of no real importance , but [he]136-harry was not sure [he]136-harry had achieved the right effect ; [Lupins]487-lupins smile was a little too understanding . " Yes , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said , " but [he]5008-my dad was n't [the only one]5464-the only one . As [I]136-harry say , it was very popular . . . . [You]136-harry know how these spells come and go . , . . "[136-harry] " But it sounds like it was invented while [you]487-lupins were at school , "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry persisted . " Not necessarily , "[227-lupin] said [Lupin]227-lupin . " Jinxes go in and out of fashion like everything else . "[227-lupin] [He]227-lupin looked into [Harry]136-harry 's face and then said quietly , " [James]136-harry was a pureblood , [Harry]136-harry , and [I]227-lupin promise [you]136-harry , [he]136-harry never asked [us]5890-us to call [him]136-harry ' [Prince]5884-prince . ' "[227-lupin] Abandoning pretense , [Harry]136-harry said , " And it was n't [Sirius]144-sirius ? Or [you]487-lupins ? "[136-harry] " Definitely not . "[227-lupin] " Oh . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry stared into the fire . " [I]136-harry just thought — well , [he]136-harry 's helped [me]136-harry out a lot in Potions classes , [the Prince]1725-the prince has . "[136-harry] " How old is this book , [Harry]136-harry ? "[227-lupin] " [I]227-lupin dunno , [I]227-lupin 've never checked . "[227-lupin] " Well , perhaps that will give [you]136-harry some clue as to when [the Prince]1725-the prince was at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , "[227-lupin] said [Lupin]227-lupin . Shortly after this , [Fleur]238-fleur decided to imitate [Celestina]483-celestina singing " A Cauldron Full of Hot , Strong Love , "[227-lupin] which was taken by [everyone]4750-everyone , once [they]4750-everyone had glimpsed [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid 's expression , to be the cue to go to bed . [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron climbed all the way up to [[Ron]217-ron 's attic bedroom]2479-ron 's attic bedroom , where a camp bed had been added for [Harry]136-harry . [Ron]217-ron fell asleep almost immediately , but [Harry]136-harry delved into [his]136-harry trunk and pulled out [his]136-harry copy of Advanced Potion - Making before getting into bed . There [he]136-harry turned its pages , searching , until [he]136-harry finally found , at the front of the book , the date that it had been pub - lished . It was nearly fifty years old . Neither [[his]136-harry father]904-his father , nor [[his]136-harry father 's friends]2481-his father 's friends , had been at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts fifty years ago . Feeling disappointed , [Harry]136-harry threw the book back into [his]136-harry trunk , turned off the lamp , and rolled over , thinking of [werewolves]2482-werewolves and [Snape]156-snape , [Stan Shunpike]385-stan shunpike and [the Half - Blood Prince]649-the half - blood prince , and finally falling into an uneasy sleep full of creeping shadows and the cries of [bitten children]2484-bitten children . . . . " [She]5894-she 's got to be joking . . . . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry woke with a start to find a bulging stocking lying over the end of [his]136-harry bed . [He]136-harry put on [his]136-harry glasses and looked around ; the tiny window was almost completely obscured with snow and , in front of it , [Ron]217-ron was sitting bolt upright in bed and examining what ap - peared to be a thick gold chain . " What 's chat ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry . ' " Its from [Lavender]343-lavender , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , sounding revolted^ " [She]5894-she earn honestly think [I]136-harry 'd wear ... "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry looked more closely and let out a shout of laughter , [Dan]488-dan gling from the chain in large gold letters were the words : “ [[My]488-dan sweetheart]5895-my sweetheart ”[488-dan] " Nice , "[217-ron] [he]217-ron said . " Classy . [You]136-harry should definitely wear it in front ol [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george . "[488-dan] " If [you]136-harry tell [them]5896-them , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , shoving the necklace out of sight under [his]217-ron pillow , " [I]217-ron — [I]217-ron — [I]217-ron ’ll — "[217-ron] " Stutter at [me]136-harry ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , grinning . " Come on , would [I]136-harry ? "[136-harry] " How could [she]5897-she think [I]217-ron 'd like something like that , though ? "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron demanded of thin air , looking rather shocked . " Well , think back , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Have [you]217-ron ever let it slip that [you]217-ron 'd like to go out in public with the words ' [My]136-harry Sweetheart ' round [your]217-ron neck ? "[136-harry] " Well ... [we]5898-we do n't really talk much , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron . " It 's mainly . . . "[217-ron] " Snogging , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Well , yeah , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron . [He]217-ron hesitated a moment , then said , " Is [Hermione]358-hermione really going out with [McLaggen]302-mclaggen ? "[217-ron] " [I]136-harry dunno , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [They]4910-the twins were at [Slughorn]216-slughorn 's party together , but [I]217-ron do n't think it went that well . "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron looked slightly more cheerful as [he]217-ron delved deeper into [his]217-ron stocking . [Harrys]269-harrys presents included a sweater with a large Golden Snitch worked onto the front , hand - knitted by [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , a large box of [Weasleys]219-the weasleys ' Wizard Wheezes products from [the twins]4910-the twins , and a slightly damp , moldy - smelling package that came with a label read - ing To [Master]2486-master , From [Kreacher]186-kreacher , [Harry]136-harry stared at it . " D'you reckon this is safe to open ? "[136-harry] [he]136-harry asked . " Ca n't be anything dangerous , all [our]5899-our mail 's still being searched at [the Ministry]4400-the ministry , "[217-ron] replied [Ron]217-ron , though [he]217-ron was eyeing the parcel suspiciously . " [I]136-harry did n't think of giving [Kreacher]186-kreacher anything . Do [people]681-people usually give [their]681-people house - elves Christmas presents ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry , prodding the parcel cautiously . " [Hermione]5902-hermione would , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron . " But let 's wait and see what it is before [you]136-harry start feeling guilty . "[217-ron] A moment later , [Harry]136-harry had given a loud yell and leapt out of [his]136-harry camp bed ; the package contained a large number of maggots . " Nice , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , roaring with laughter . " Very thoughtful . "[217-ron] " [I]136-harry 'd rather have them than that necklace , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , which sobered [Ron]217-ron up at once . [Everybody]4716-everybody was wearing new sweaters when [they]4716-everybody all sat down for Christmas lunch , [everyone]4750-everyone except [Fleur]238-fleur ( on whom , it appeared , [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid had not wanted to waste one ) and [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid [herself]218-hagrid , who was sporting a brand - new midnight blue witch 's hat glittering with what looked like tiny starlike diamonds , and a spec - tacular golden necklace . " [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george gave them to [me]218-hagrid ! Are n't they beautiful ? "[218-hagrid] . : " Well , [we]5903-we find [we]5903-we appreciate [you]218-hagrid more and more , [Mum]235-mum , now [we]5903-we 're washing [our]5903-we own socks , "[233-george] said [George]233-george , waving an airy hand . " Parsnips , [Remus]227-lupin ? "[233-george] " [Harry]136-harry , [you]136-harry 've got a maggot in [your]136-harry hair , "[236-ginny] said [Ginny]236-ginny cheerfully , leaning across the table to pick it out ; [Harry]136-harry felt goose bumps erupt up [his]136-harry neck that had nothing to do with the maggot . " ' Ow ' orrible , "[238-fleur] said [Fleur]238-fleur , with an affected little shudder . " Yes , is n't it ? "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron . " Gravy , [Fleur]238-fleur ? "[217-ron] . In [his]217-ron eagerness to help [her]238-fleur , [he]217-ron knocked [the gravy boat]2489-the gravy boat flying ; [Bill]241-bill waved [his]241-bill wand and the gravy soared up in the air and returned meekly to [the boat]2490-the boat . " [You]217-ron are as bad as zat [Tonks]226-tonks , "[238-fleur] said [Fleur]238-fleur to [Ron]217-ron , when [she]238-fleur had finished kissing [Bill]241-bill in thanks . " [She]238-fleur is always knocking — "[238-fleur] " [I]218-hagrid invited dear [Tonks]226-tonks to come along today , "[218-hagrid] said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , setting down the carrots with unnecessary force and glaring at [Fleur]238-fleur . " But [she]238-fleur would n't come . Have [you]217-ron spoken to [her]238-fleur lately , [Remus]227-lupin ? "[218-hagrid] " No , [I]227-lupin have n't been in contact with [anybody]665-anybody very much , "[227-lupin] said [Lupin]227-lupin . " But [Tonks]226-tonks has got [[her]226-tonks own family]5905-her own family to go to , has n't [she]226-tonks ? "[227-lupin] " Hmmm , "[218-hagrid] said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid . " Maybe . [I]238-fleur got the impression [she]238-fleur was planning to spend Christmas alone , actually . "[238-fleur] [She]238-fleur gave [Lupin]227-lupin an annoyed look , as though it was all [his]227-lupin fault [she]238-fleur was getting [Fleur]238-fleur for [a daughter - in - law]2491-a daughter - in - law instead of [Tonks]226-tonks , but [Harry]136-harry , glancing across at [Fleur]238-fleur , who was now feeding [Bill]241-bill bits of turkey off [her]238-fleur own fork , thought that [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid was fighting a long - lost battle . [He]136-harry was , however , reminded of a question [he]136-harry had with regard to [Tonks]226-tonks , and who better to ask than [Lupin]227-lupin , [the man who knew all about [Patronuses]489-patronuses]2492-the man who knew all about patronuses ? " [Tonks]226-tonks 's Patronus has changed its form , "[227-lupin] [he]227-lupin told [him]227-lupin . " [Snape]156-snape said so anyway . [I]227-lupin did n't know that could happen . Why would [[your]227-lupin Patronus]5906-your patronus change ? "[227-lupin] [Lupin]227-lupin took [his]227-lupin time chewing [his]227-lupin turkey and swallowing before saying slowly , " Sometimes ... a great shock ... an emotional up - heaval ... "[227-lupin] " It looked big , and it had four legs , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , struck by a sud - den thought and lowering [his]136-harry voice . " Hey ... it could n't be — ? "[136-harry] " [Arthur]222-arthur ! "[218-hagrid] said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid suddenly . [She]218-hagrid had risen from [her]218-hagrid chair ; [her]218-hagrid hand was pressed over [her]218-hagrid heart and [she]218-hagrid was staring out of the kitchen window . " [Arthur]222-arthur — it 's [Percy]245-percy ! "[218-hagrid] " What ? "[220-mr. weasley] [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley looked around . [Everybody]4716-everybody looked quickly at the window ; [Ginny]236-ginny stood up for a better look . There , sure enough , was [Percy Weasley]245-percy , striding across [the snowy yard]5835-the snowy yard , [his]245-percy horn - rimmed glasses glinting in the sunlight . [He]245-percy was not , however , alone . " [Arthur]222-arthur , [he]245-percy 's — [he]245-percy 's with [the Minister]971-the minister ! "[245-percy] And sure enough , [the man [Harry]136-harry had seen in [the Daily Prophet]1072-the daily prophet]2495-the man harry had seen in the daily prophet was following along in [Percy]245-percy 's wake , limping slightly , [his]245-percy mane of graying hair and [his]245-percy black cloak flecked with snow . Before any of , [them]2497-them could say anything , before [Mr.]2498-mr. and [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid could do : more than exchange stunned looks , the back door opened and there stood [Percy]245-percy . There was a moment 's painful silence . Then [Percy]245-percy said rather stiffly , " Merry Christmas , [Mother]4892-mother . "[245-percy] " Oh , [Percy]245-percy ! "[218-hagrid] said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , and [she]218-hagrid threw [herself]218-hagrid into [his]245-percy arms . [Rufus Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour paused in the doorway , leaning on [his]148-scrimgeour walk - ing stick and smiling as [he]148-scrimgeour observed this affecting scene . " [You]218-hagrid must forgive this intrusion , "[148-scrimgeour] [he]148-scrimgeour said , when [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid looked around at [him]148-scrimgeour , beaming and wiping [her]218-hagrid eyes . " [Percy]245-percy and [I]218-hagrid were in the vicinity — working , [you]218-hagrid know — and [he]245-percy could n't re - sist dropping in and seeing [you]218-hagrid all . "[218-hagrid] But [Percy]245-percy showed no sign of wanting to greet [any of [the rest of [the family]4795-the family]1222-the rest of the family]2499-any of the rest of the family . [He]245-percy stood , poker - straight and awkward - looking , and stared over [everybody else]5199-everybody else 's heads . [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley , [Fred]232-fred , and [George]233-george were all observing [him]245-percy , stony - faced . " Please , come in , sit down , [Minister]5042-minister ! "[218-hagrid] fluttered [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , straightening [her]218-hagrid hat . Have a little purkey , or some tooding . ... 1 ' . mean — " "[218-hagrid] No , no , [[my]0-i dear]4367-my dear [Molly]223-molly , " said [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour . [Harry]136-harry guessed that [he]136-harry had checked [her]223-molly name with [Percy]245-percy before [they]2506-they entered [the house]4472-the house . "[223-molly] [I]0-i do n't want to intrude , would n't be [here]4439-here at all if [Percy]245-percy had n't wanted to see [you]2505-you all so badly . . . . " "[245-percy] Oh , [Perce]245-percy ! " said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid tearfully , reaching up to kiss [him]245-percy . "[245-percy] . , . [We]2506-they 've only looked in for five minutes , so [I]0-i 'll have a stroll around [the yard]4757-the yard while [you]2505-you catch up with [Percy]245-percy . No , no , [I]0-i assure [you]2505-you [I]0-i do n't want to butt in ! Well , if [anybody]665-anybody cared to show [me]0-i [[your]2505-you charming garden]2509-your charming garden . . . Ah , [that young man]2510-that young man 's finished , why does n't [he]2510-that young man take a stroll with [me]0-i ? " The atmosphere around the table changed perceptibly . [Every - body]5911-every - body looked from [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour to [Harry]136-harry . [Nobody]687-nobody seemed to find [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour 's pretense that [he]148-scrimgeour did not know [Harry]136-harry 's name convincing , or find it natural that [he]148-scrimgeour should be chosen to accompany [the Minister]971-the minister around [the garden]1818-the garden when [Ginny]236-ginny , [Fleur]238-fleur , and [George]233-george also had clean plates . "[2510-that young man] Yeah , all right , " said [Harry]136-harry into the silence . [He]136-harry was not fooled ; for all [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour 's talk that [they]5915-they had just been in [the area]5916-the area , that [Percy]245-percy wanted to look up [[his]245-percy family]678-his family , this must be the real reason that [they]5915-they had come , so that [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour could speak to [Harry]136-harry alone . "[2510-that young man] It 's fine , " [he]148-scrimgeour said quietly , as [he]148-scrimgeour passed [Lupin]227-lupin , who had half risen from [his]227-lupin chair . "[2510-that young man] Fine , " [he]148-scrimgeour added , as [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley opened [his]220-mr. weasley mouth to speak . "[2510-that young man] Wonderful ! " said [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour , standing back to let [Harry]136-harry pass through the door ahead of [him]148-scrimgeour . "[2511-we] [We]2511-we 'll just take a turn around [the garden]1818-the garden , and [Percy]245-percy and [I]0-i 'll be off . Carry on , [everyone]4750-everyone ! " [Harry]136-harry walked across [the yard]4757-the yard toward [[the Weasleys]219-the weasleys ' overgrown , snow - covered garden]5919-the weasleys ' overgrown , snow - covered garden , [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour limping slightly at [his]136-harry side . [He]148-scrimgeour had , [Harry]136-harry knew , been [Head of [the Auror office]4576-the auror office]4641-head of the auror office ; [he]148-scrimgeour looked tough and battle - scarred , very different from [portly Fudge]139-fudge in [his]148-scrimgeour bowler hat . "[4750-everyone] Charming , " said [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour , stopping at the garden fence and looking out over [the snowy lawn]5922-the snowy lawn and the indistinguishable plants . "[4750-everyone] Charming . " [Harry]136-harry said nothing . [He]136-harry could tell that [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour was watching [him]136-harry . "[0-i] [I]0-i 've wanted to meet [you]2514-you for a very long time , " said [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour , after a few moments . "[0-i] Did [you]2514-you know that ? " "[2514-you] No , " said [Harry]136-harry truthfully . | ! . "[2514-you] Oh yes , for a very long time . But [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore has been very protective of [you]2514-you , " said [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour . "[146-dumbledore] Natural , of course , natural , after what [you]2514-you 've been through . . . . Especially what happened at : the Ministry ... " : [He]0-i waited for [Harry]136-harry to say something , but [Harry]136-harry did not oblige , : so [he]0-i went on , "[0-i] [I]0-i have been hoping for an occasion to talk to [you]2514-you ever since [I]0-i gained office , but [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore has — most under - standably , as [I]0-i say — prevented this . " Still , [Harry]136-harry said nothing , waiting . "[146-dumbledore] The rumors that have flown around ! " said [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour . "[146-dumbledore] Well , of course , [we]2515-we both know how these stories get distorted ... all these whispers of a prophecy . . . of [you]2514-you being ' [the Chosen One]940-the chosen one ' . . . " [They]2515-we were getting near it now , [Harry]136-harry thought , the reason [Scrim - geour]490-scrim - geour was here . “[0-i] [I]0-i assume that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore has discussed these matters with [you]2514-you ? " , [Harry]136-harry deliberated , wondering whether [he]136-harry ought to lie or not . [He]136-harry looked at the little gnome prints all around the flowerbeds , ami the scuffed - up patch that marked the spot where [Fred]232-fred had caught the gnome now wearing the tutu at the top of the Christmas tree . Finally , [he]136-harry decided on the truth ... or a bit of it . "[146-dumbledore] Yeah , [we]2515-we 've discussed it . " "[146-dumbledore] Have [you]2514-you , have [you]2514-you . . . " said [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour . [Harry]136-harry could see , out of the corner of [his]136-harry eye , [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour squinting at [him]136-harry , so [he]136-harry pre - tended to be very interested in a gnome that had just poked its head out from underneath a frozen rhododendron . "[2514-you] And what has [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore told [you]2514-you , [Harry]136-harry ? " "[146-dumbledore] Sorry , but that 's between [us]2515-we , " said [Harry]136-harry . [He]136-harry kept [his]136-harry voice as pleasant as [he]136-harry could , and [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour 's tone , too , was light and friendly as [he]0-i said , "[146-dumbledore] Oh , of course , if it 's a question of confidences , [I]0-i would n't want [you]2514-you to divulge . . . no , no ... and in any case , does it really matter whether [you]2514-you are ' [the Chosen One]940-the chosen one ' or not ? " [Harry]136-harry had to mull that one over for a few seconds before re - sponding . "[0-i] [I]0-i do n't really know what [you]0-i mean , [Minister]143-muggles . " "[143-muggles] Well , of course , to [you]2514-you it will matter enormously , " said [Scrim - geour]490-scrim - geour with a laugh . "[143-muggles] But to [the Wizarding community at large]2518-the wizarding community at large . . . it 's all perception , is n't it ? It 's what [people]681-people believe that 's important . " [Harry]136-harry said nothing . [He]136-harry thought [he]136-harry saw , dimly , where [they]681-people were heading , but [he]136-harry was not going to help [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour get [there]4506-there . The gnome under the rhododendron was now digging for worms at its roots , and [Harry]136-harry kept [his]136-harry eyes fixed upon it . "[681-people] [People]681-people believe [you]2514-you are ' [the Chosen One]940-the chosen one , ' [you]2514-you see , " said [Scrim - geour]490-scrim - geour . "[2514-you] [They]681-people think [you]2514-you quite [the hero]2522-the hero — which , of course , [you]2514-you arc , [Harry]136-harry , chosen or not ! How many times have [you]2514-you faced [[He]2523-he - Who - Must - Not - Be - Named]102-he - who - must - not - be - named now ? Well , anyway , " [he]0-i pressed on , without waiting for a reply , "[2522-the hero] the point is , [you]2514-you are a symbol of hope lor many , [Harry]136-harry . The idea that there is [somebody out there who might be able , who might even be destined]2524-somebody out there who might be able , who might even be destined , to destroy [[He]2523-he - Who - Must - Not - Be - Named]102-he - who - must - not - be - named — well , naturally , it gives [people]681-people a lift . And [I]0-i ca n't help but feel that , once [you]2514-you realize this , [you]2514-you might consider it , well , almost a duty , to stand alongside [the Ministry]4400-the ministry , and give [everyone]4750-everyone a boost . " [The gnome]5924-the gnome had just managed to get hold of a worm . It was now tugging very hard on it , trying to get it out of [the frozen ground]5925-the frozen ground . [Harry]136-harry was silent so long that [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour said , looking from [Harry]136-harry to [the gnome]5924-the gnome , "[2528-funny little chaps] [Funny little chaps]2528-funny little chaps , are n't [they]2528-funny little chaps ? But what say [you]136-harry , [Harry]136-harry ? " "[136-harry] [I]0-i do n't exactly understand what [you]0-i want , " said [Harry]136-harry slowly . ' "[0-i] Stand alongside [the Ministry]4400-the ministry ' . . . What does that mean ? " "[0-i] Oh , well , nothing at all onerous , [I]0-i assure [you]136-harry , " said [Scrim - geour]490-scrim - geour . "[0-i] If [you]2514-you were to be seen popping in and out of [the Ministry]4400-the ministry from time to time , for instance , that would give the right impres - sion . And of course , while [you]2514-you were [there]4506-there , [you]2514-you would have ample : opportunity to speak to [Gawain Robards]491-gawain robards , [[my]0-i successor as Head of [the Auror office]4576-the auror office]2532-my successor as head of the auror office . [Dolores Umbridge]201-dolores umbridge has told [me]0-i that [you]2514-you cherish an ambition to become [an Auror]4464-an auror . Well , that could be arranged very easily . ... " [Harry]136-harry felt anger bubbling in the pit of [his]136-harry stomach : So [Dolores Umbridge]201-dolores umbridge was still at [the Ministry]4400-the ministry , was [she]201-dolores umbridge ? "[2514-you] So basically , " [he]0-i said , as though [he]0-i just wanted to clarify a few points , "[2514-you] [you]2514-you 'd like to give the impression that [I]0-i 'm working for [the Ministry]4400-the ministry ? " "[2514-you] It would give [everyone]4750-everyone a lift to think [you]2514-you were more involved , [Harry]136-harry , " said [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour , sounding relieved that [Harry]136-harry had cot - toned on so quickly . "[940-the chosen one] ' [The Chosen One]940-the chosen one , ' [you]2514-you know . . . It 's all about giving [people]681-people hope , the feeling that exciting things are hap - pening . ... " "[940-the chosen one] But if [I]0-i keep running in and out of [the Ministry]17-the ministry , " said [Harry]136-harry , still endeavoring to keep [his]136-harry voice friendly , "[0-i] wo n't that seem as though [I]0-i approve of what [the Ministry]4400-the ministry 's up to ? " "[0-i] Well , " said [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour , frowning slightly , "[0-i] well , yes , that 's partly why [we]2540-we 'd like — " "[2540-we] No , [I]0-i do n't think that 'll work , " said [Harry]136-harry pleasantly . "[0-i] [You]2541-you see , [I]0-i do n't like some of the things [the Ministry]4400-the ministry 's doing . Locking up [Stan Shunpike]385-stan shunpike , for instance . " [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour did not speak for a moment but [his]148-scrimgeour expression hard - ened instantly . "[0-i] [I]0-i would not expect [you]2514-you to understand , " [he]148-scrimgeour said , and [he]148-scrimgeour was not as successful at keeping anger out of [his]148-scrimgeour voice as [Harry]136-harry had been . "[146-dumbledore] These are dangerous times , and certain measures need to be taken . [You]2514-you are sixteen years old — " "[2514-you] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's a lot older than sixteen , and [he]146-dumbledore does n't think [Stan]385-stan shunpike should be in [Azkaban]3-azkaban either , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[146-dumbledore] [You]2541-you 're making [Stan]385-stan shunpike a scapegoat , just like [you]2541-you want to make [me]0-i [a mascot]2543-a mascot . " [They]5928-they looked at [each other]4377-each other , long and hard . Finally [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour said , with no pretense at warmth , "[0-i] [I]0-i see . [You]2514-you prefer — like [[your]2514-you hero]2544-your hero , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore — to disassociate [yourself]2514-you from [the Ministry]4400-the ministry ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i do n't want to be used , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[0-i] [Some]954-some would say it 's [your]2514-you duty to be used by [the Ministry]4400-the ministry ! " "[954-some] Yeah , and others might say its [your]2514-you duty to check that [people]681-people really are [Death Eaters]4567-death eaters before [you]2514-you chuck [them]681-people in [prison]4503-prison , " said [Harry]136-harry , [his]136-harry temper rising now . "[2514-you] [You]2514-you 're doing what [Barty Crouch]492-barty crouch did . [You]2514-you never get it right , [[you]2514-you people]2551-you people , do [you]2514-you ? Either [we]2552-we 've got [Fudge]139-fudge , pretending everything 's lovely while [people]681-people get murdered right under [his]492-barty crouch nose , or [we]2552-we 've got [you]2514-you , chucking [the wrong people]2554-the wrong people into [jail]4512-jail and trying to pretend [you]2514-you 've got ' the Chosen One ' work - ing for [you]2514-you ! " ' [i]940-the chosen one "[940-the chosen one] So [you]2514-you 're not ' [the Chosen One]940-the chosen one ' ? " said [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour . ' "[2514-you] [I]0-i thought [you]2514-you said it did n't matter either way ? " said [Harry]136-harry , with a bitter laugh . "[2514-you] Not to [you]2514-you anyway . " "[0-i] [I]0-i should n't have said that , " said [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour quickly . "[0-i] It was tactless — " "[0-i] No , it was honest , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[2514-you] One of the only honest things [you]2514-you 've said to [me]0-i . [You]2514-you do n't care whether [I]0-i live or die , but [you]2514-you do care that [I]0-i help [you]2514-you convince [everyone]4750-everyone [you]2514-you 're winning the war against [Voldemort]192-voldemort . [I]0-i have n't forgotten , [Minister]5042-minister .... " [He]0-i raised [his]0-i right fist . There , shining white on the back of [his]0-i cold hand , were the scars which [Dolores Umbridge]201-dolores umbridge had forced [him]0-i to carve into [his]0-i own flesh : [I]5042-minister must not tell lies . "[5042-minister] [I]0-i do n't remember [you]2514-you rushing to [my]0-i defense when [I]0-i was trying to tell [everyone Voldemort]2559-everyone voldemort was back . [The Ministry]17-the ministry was n't so keen to be [pals]2560-pals last year . " [They]5930-they stood in silence as icy as the ground beneath [their]5930-they feet . [The gnome]5924-the gnome had finally managed to extricate [his]5924-the gnome worm and was now sucking on it happily , leaning against the bottommost branches of the rhododendron bush . "[2560-pals] What is [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore up to ? " said [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour brusquely . "[146-dumbledore] Where does [he]146-dumbledore go when [he]146-dumbledore is absent from [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts ? " "[146-dumbledore] No idea , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[146-dumbledore] And [you]2514-you would n't tell [me]0-i if [you]2514-you knew , " said [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour , "[2514-you] would [you]2514-you ? " "[2514-you] No , 1 would n't , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[2514-you] Well , then , [I]0-i shall have to see whether [I]0-i ca n't find out by other means . " "[2514-you] [You]2514-you can try , " said [Harry]136-harry indifferently . "[2514-you] But [you]2514-you seem cleverer than [Fudge]139-fudge , so [I]0-i 'd have thought [you]2514-you 'd have learned from [his]146-dumbledore mis - takes . [He]146-dumbledore tried interfering at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts . [You]2514-you might have noticed [he]146-dumbledore 's not [Minister]5042-minister anymore , but [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ’s still [headmaster]2562-headmaster . [I]0-i 'd leave [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore alone , if [I]0-i were [you]2514-you . " There was a long pause . "[2514-you] Well , it is clear to [me]0-i that [he]146-dumbledore has done a very good job on [you]2514-you , " said [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour , [his]148-scrimgeour eyes cold and hard behind [his]148-scrimgeour wire - rimmed glasses , "[146-dumbledore] [[Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ’s man]2563-dumbledore ’s man through and through , are n't [you]2514-you , [Potter]136-harry ? " "[136-harry] Yeah , [I]0-i am , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[0-i] Glad [we]2564-we straightened that out . " And turning [his]148-scrimgeour back on [the Minister of Magic]710-the minister of magic , [he]148-scrimgeour strode back toward [the house]4472-the house .[0-i] Chapter 17 : A sluggish memory Late in the afternoon , a few days after New Year , [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , and [Ginny]236-ginny lined up beside the kitchen fire to return to [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts . [The Ministry]17-the ministry had arranged this one - off connection to the Floo Network to return [students]967-students quickly and safely to [the school]1525-the school . [Only Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid was there to say good - bye , as [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley , [Fred]232-fred , [George]233-george , [Bill]241-bill , and [Fleur]238-fleur were all at work . [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid dissolved into tears at the moment of parting . Admittedly , it took very little to set [her]218-hagrid off lately ; [she]218-hagrid had been crying on and off ever since [Percy]245-percy had stormed from [the house]4472-the house on Christmas Day with [his]245-percy glasses splattered with mashed parsnip ( for which [Fred]232-fred , [George]233-george , and [Ginny]236-ginny all claimed credit ) . " Do n't cry , [Mum]235-mum , "[236-ginny] said [Ginny]236-ginny , patting [her]218-hagrid on the back as [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid sobbed into [her]236-ginny shoulder . " It 's okay . ... "[218-hagrid] " Yeah , do n't worry about [us]5934-us , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , permitting [[his]217-ron mother]1264-his mother to plant a very wet kiss on [his]217-ron cheek , " or about [Percy]245-percy . [He]245-percy 's such a prat , it 's not really a loss , is it ? "[217-ron] [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid sobbed harder than ever as [she]218-hagrid enfolded [Harry]136-harry in [her]218-hagrid arms . " Promise [me]218-hagrid [you]136-harry 'll look after [yourself]136-harry .. .. Stay out of trouble . ... "[218-hagrid] " [I]136-harry always do , [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [I]136-harry like a quiet life , [you]218-hagrid know [me]136-harry . "[136-harry] [She]218-hagrid gave a watery chuckle and stood back . " Be good , then , all of [you]136-harry . ... "[218-hagrid] [Harry]136-harry stepped into the emerald fire and shouted " [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts ! "[136-harry] [He]136-harry had one last fleeting view of [[the Weasleys]219-the weasleys ' kitchen]2569-the weasleys ' kitchen and [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid 's tearful face before the flames engulfed [him]136-harry ; spinning very fast , [he]136-harry caught blurred glimpses of [other Wizarding rooms]2570-other wizarding rooms , which were whipped out of sight before [he]136-harry could get a proper look ; then [he]136-harry was slowing down , finally stopping squarely in the fireplace in [[Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall 's office]2571-professor mcgonagall 's office . [She]218-hagrid barely glanced up from [her]218-hagrid work as [he]136-harry clambered out over the grate . " Evening , [Potter]136-harry . Try not to get too much ash on the carpet . "[218-hagrid] " No , [Professor]4626-professor . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry straightened [his]136-harry glasses and flattened [his]136-harry hair as [Ron]217-ron came spinning into view . When [Ginny]236-ginny had arrived , [all three of [them]1249-all three of them]1249-all three of them trooped out of [[McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall 's office]2573-mcgonagall 's office and off toward [Gryffindor Tower]78-gryffindor tower . [Harry]136-harry glanced out of [the corridor]4994-the corridor windows as [they]1249-all three of them passed ; the sun was already sinking over grounds carpeted in deeper snow than had lain over [the Burrow garden]2575-the burrow garden . In the distance , [he]136-harry could see [Hagrid]218-hagrid feeding [Buckbeak]189-buckbeak in front of [[his]136-harry cabin]5431-his cabin . " Baubles , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron confidently , when [they]1249-all three of them reached [the Fat Lady , who was looking rather paler than usual and winced at [his]217-ron loud voice]493-the fat lady . " No , "[493-the fat lady] [she]493-the fat lady said . “ What d’you mean , ‘ no ’ ? "[493-the fat lady] There is a new password , " [she]493-the fat lady said . "[493-the fat lady] And please do n't shout . " "[217-ron] But [we]1249-all three of them 've been away , how 're [we]1249-all three of them supposed to — ? " "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry ! [Ginny]236-ginny ! " [Hermione]358-hermione was hurrying toward [them]1249-all three of them , very pink - faced and wearing a cloak , hat , and gloves . "[236-ginny] [I]0-i got back a couple of hours ago , [I]0-i 've just been down to visit [Hagrid]218-hagrid and [Buck]340-buck — [I]0-i mean Witherwings , " [she]358-hermione said breathlessly . "[340-buck] Did [you]136-harry have a good Christmas ? " "[136-harry] Yeah , " said [Ron]217-ron at once , "[136-harry] pretty eventful , [Rufus Scrim]490-scrim - geour — " ] "[490-scrim - geour] [I]0-i 've got something for [you]136-harry , [Harry]136-harry , " said [Hermione]358-hermione , neither looking at [Ron]217-ron nor giving any sign that [she]358-hermione had heard [him]217-ron . "[136-harry] Oh , hang on — password . Abstinence . " "[136-harry] Precisely , " said [the Fat Lady]2094-the fat lady in a feeble voice , and swung forward to reveal the portrait hole . "[136-harry] What 's up with [her]2577-her ? " asked [Harry]136-harry . "[2577-her] Overindulged over Christmas , apparently , " said [Hermione]358-hermione , rolling [her]358-hermione eyes as [she]358-hermione led the way into [the packed common room]5937-the packed common room . "[2577-her] [She]2577-her and [[her]2577-her friend]1457-her friend [Violet]494-violet drank [their]2579-their way through all the wine in that picture of [drunk monks]2580-drunk monks down by [the Charms corridor]2581-the charms corridor . Anyway ... " [She]358-hermione rummaged in [her]358-hermione pocket for a moment , then pulled out a scroll of parchment with [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's writing on it . "[2577-her] Great , " said [Harry]136-harry , unrolling it at once to discover that [his]136-harry next lesson with [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was scheduled for the following night . "[2577-her] [I]0-i ’ve got loads to tell [him]2582-him — and [you]2583-you . Let 's sit down — " But at that moment there was a loud squeal of "[0-i] Won - Won ! " and [Lavender Brown]343-lavender came hurtling out of nowhere and flung [herself]343-lavender into [Ron]217-ron 's arms . [Several onlookers]5938-several onlookers sniggered ; [Hermione]358-hermione gave a tinkling laugh and said , "[0-i] There 's a cable over here ... Coming . [Ginny]236-ginny ? " "[236-ginny] No , thanks , [I]0-i said [I]0-i 'd meet [Dean]261-dean , " said [Ginny]236-ginny , though [Harry]136-harry could not help noticing that [she]236-ginny did not sound very enthusiastic . Leaving [Ron]217-ron and [Lavender]343-lavender locked in a kind of vertical wrestling , match , [Harry]136-harry led [Hermione]358-hermione over to the spare table . "[0-i] So how was [your]2583-you Christmas ? " "[0-i] Oh , fine , " [she]358-hermione shrugged . "[0-i] Nothing special . How was it at [Won - Won]507-won - won 's ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i 'll tell [you]2583-you in a minute , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[0-i] Look , [Hermione]358-hermione , ca n't [you]2583-you — " "[2583-you] No , [I]0-i ca n't , " [she]358-hermione said flatly . "[0-i] So do n't even ask . " "[0-i] [I]0-i thought maybe , [you]2583-you know , over Christmas — " "[0-i] It was the Fat Lady who drank a vat of five - hundred - year - old wine , [Harry]136-harry , not [me]0-i . So what was this important news [you]2583-you wanted to tell [me]0-i ? " [She]358-hermione looked too fierce to argue with at that moment , so [Harry]136-harry dropped the subject of [Ron]217-ron and recounted all that [he]136-harry had overheard between [Malfoy]170-malfoy and [Snape]156-snape . When [he]136-harry had finished , [Hermione]358-hermione sat in thought for a moment and then said , "[2583-you] Do n't [you]136-harry think — ? " "[2584-he] — [he]2584-he was pretending to offer help so that [he]2584-he could trick [Malfoy]170-malfoy into telling [him]2584-he what [he]2584-he 's doing ? " "[2584-he] Well , yes , " said [Hermione]358-hermione . "[2584-he] [[Ron]217-ron ’s dad]2585-ron ’s dad and [Lupin]227-lupin think so , " [Harry]136-harry said grudgingly . "[227-lupin] But this definitely proves [Malfoy]170-malfoy ’s planning something , [you]136-harry ca n't deny that . " "[136-harry] No , [I]0-i ca n't , " [she]358-hermione answered slowly . "[0-i] And [he]2584-he 's acting on [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's orders , just like [I]0-i said ! " "[0-i] Hmm .. . did either of [them]2586-them actually mention [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's name ? " [Harry]136-harry frowned , trying to remember . "[2586-them] [I]0-i 'm not sure ... [Snape]156-snape definitely said ' [[your]136-harry master]2425-your master , ' and who else would that be ? " "[156-snape] [I]0-i do n't know , " said [Hermione]358-hermione , biting [her]358-hermione lip . "[156-snape] Maybe [[his]2584-he father]904-his father ? " [She]358-hermione stared across [the room]685-the room , apparently lost in thought , not even noticing [Lavender]343-lavender tickling [Ron]217-ron . "[156-snape] How 's [Lupin]227-lupin ? " "[156-snape] Not great , " said [Harry]136-harry , and [he]136-harry told [her]358-hermione all about [Lupin]227-lupin ’s mission among [the werewolves]5879-the werewolves and the difficulties [he]227-lupin was facing . "[156-snape] Have [you]0-i heard of [this Fenrir Greyback]283-greyback ? " "[283-greyback] Yes , [I]0-i have ! " said [Hermione]358-hermione , sounding startled . "[0-i] And so have [you]0-i , [Harry]136-harry ! " "[0-i] When , History of Magic ? [You]0-i know full well [I]0-i never listened ... " "[0-i] No , no , not History of Magic — [Malfoy]170-malfoy threatened [Borgin]280-borgin with [Kim]495-kim ! " said [Hermione]358-hermione . "[170-malfoy] Back in [Knockturn Alley]54-knockturn alley , do n't [you]0-i remember ? [He]170-malfoy told [Borgin]280-borgin that [Greyback]283-greyback was [an old family friend]2589-an old family friend and that [he]170-malfoy 'd be checking up on [Borgin]280-borgin 's progress ! " [Harry]136-harry gaped at [her]358-hermione . "[170-malfoy] [I]0-i forgot ! But this proves [Malfoy]170-malfoy s [a Death Eater]4651-a death eater , how else could [he]170-malfoy be in contact with [Greyback]283-greyback and telling [him]283-greyback what to do ? " "[170-malfoy] It is pretty suspicious , " breathed [Hermione]358-hermione . "[170-malfoy] Unless . . . " "[170-malfoy] Oh , come on , " said [Harry]136-harry in exasperation , "[0-i] [you]0-i ca n't get round this one ! " "[0-i] Well . . . there is the possibility it was an empty threat . " "[0-i] [You]0-i 're unbelievable , [you]0-i are , " said [Harry]136-harry , shaking [his]136-harry head . "[0-i] [We]2591-them 'll see who 's right . . . . [You]0-i 'll be eating [your]0-i words , [Hermione]358-hermione , just like [the Ministry]4400-the ministry . Oh yeah , [1]4515-1 had a row with [Rufus Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour as well . . . . " And the rest of the evening passed amicably with both of [them]2591-them abusing [the Minister of Magic]710-the minister of magic , for [Hermione]358-hermione , like [Ron]217-ron , thought that after all [the Ministry]4400-the ministry had put [Harry]136-harry through the previous year , [they]2591-them had a great deal of nerve asking [him]136-harry for help now . The new term started next morning with a pleasant surprise for the sixth years : a large sign had been pinned to the common room notice boards overnight . [[APPARITION LESSONS]496-apparition]5943-apparition lessons If [you]5944-you are seventeen years of age , or will turn seventeen on or before the 31st August next , [you]5944-you are eligible for a twelve - week course of Apparition Lessons from [a Ministry of Magic Apparition instructor]5945-a ministry of magic apparition instructor . Please sign below if [you]5944-you would like to participate . Cost : [12 Galleons]5946-12 galleons . [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron joined [the crowd that was jostling around the notice and taking it in turns]5947-the crowd that was jostling around the notice and taking it in turns to write [their]2591-them names at the bottom . [Ron]217-ron was just taking out [his]217-ron quill to sign after [Hermione]358-hermione when [Lavender]343-lavender crept up behind [him]217-ron , slipped [her]343-lavender hands over [his]217-ron eyes , and trilled , "[148-scrimgeour] Guess who , Won - Won ? " [Harry]136-harry turned to see [Hermione]358-hermione stalking off ; [he]136-harry caught up with [her]358-hermione , having no wish to stay behind with [Ron]217-ron and [Lavender]343-lavender , but to [his]136-harry surprise , [Ron]217-ron caught up with [them]2591-them only a little way beyond the portrait hole , [his]217-ron ears bright red and [his]217-ron expression disgruntled . Without a word , [Hermione]358-hermione sped up to walk with [Neville]174-neville . "[148-scrimgeour] So — Apparition , " said [Ron]217-ron , [his]217-ron tone making it perfectly plain that [Harry]136-harry was not to mention what had just happened . "[148-scrimgeour] Should be a laugh , eh ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i dunno , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[0-i] Maybe it 's better when [you]2594-you do it [yourself]2594-you , [I]0-i did n’t enjoy it much when [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore took [me]0-i along for the ride . " "[146-dumbledore] [I]0-i forgot [you]0-i 'd already done it . ... [I]0-i 'd better pass [my]0-i test first time , " said [Ron]217-ron , looking anxious . "[232-fred] [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george did , " "[233-george] [Charlie]256-charlie failed , though , did n't [he]256-charlie ? " "[256-charlie] Yeah , but [Charlie]256-charlie 's bigger than [me]0-i " — [Ron]217-ron held [his]217-ron arms out from [his]217-ron body as though [he]217-ron was a gorilla — "[233-george] so [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george did n't go on about it much . . . not to [his]256-charlie face anyway . . . " "[233-george] When can [we]2595-we take the actual test ? " "[233-george] Soon as [we]2595-we 're seventeen . That 's only March for [me]0-i ! " "[233-george] Yeah , but [you]0-i would n't be able to Apparate in [here]4439-here , not in [the castle]4540-the castle . . . " "[0-i] Not the point , is it ? [Everyone]4750-everyone would know [I]0-i could Apparate if [I]0-i wanted . " [Ron]217-ron was not [the only one to be excited at the prospect of Apparition]5948-the only one to be excited at the prospect of apparition . All that day there was much talk about the forthcoming , lessons ; a great deal of store was set by being able to vanish and reappear at will . "[4750-everyone] How cool will it be when [we]2595-we can just — " [Seamus]330-seamus clicked [his]0-i ringers to indicate disappearance . "[0-i] [Me]0-i cousin [Fergus]497-fergus does it just to annoy [me]0-i , [you]2599-you wait till [I]0-i can do it back . . . [He]497-fergus 'll never have another peaceful moment . . . . " Lost in visions of this happy prospect , [he]136-harry flicked [his]136-harry wand a little too enthusiastically , so that instead of producing the fountain of pure water that was the object of today 's Charms lesson , [he]136-harry let out a hoselike jet that ricocheted off the ceiling and knocked [Professor Flitwick]383-professor flitwick flat on [his]383-professor flitwick face . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry ’s already Apparated , " [Ron]217-ron told a slightly abashed [Seamus]330-seamus , after [Professor Flitwick]383-professor flitwick had dried [himself]383-professor flitwick off with a wave of [his]383-professor flitwick wand and set [Seamus]330-seamus lines : "[136-harry] [I]0-i am [a wizard]4450-a wizard , not [a baboon brandishing a stick]2601-a baboon brandishing a stick . " "[5066-someone] Dum — er — [someone]5066-someone took [him]136-harry . Side - Along - Apparition , [you]2599-you know . " "[5066-someone] Whoa ! " whispered [Seamus]330-seamus , and [he]330-seamus , [Dean]261-dean , and [Neville]174-neville put [their]5949-their heads a little closer to hear what Apparition felt like . For the rest of the day , [Harry]136-harry was besieged with requests from the other sixth years to describe the sensation of Apparition . [All of [them]2461-all of them]2461-all of them seemed awed , rather than put off , when [he]136-harry told [them]2461-all of them how uncomfortable it was , and [he]136-harry was still answering detailed questions at ten to eight that evening , when [he]136-harry was forced to lie and say that [he]136-harry needed to return a book to [the library]2354-the library , so as to escape in time for [his]136-harry lesson with [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . The lamps in [[Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ’s office]5952-dumbledore ’s office were lit , the portraits of [previous headmasters]1735-previous headmasters were snoring gently in their frames , and the Pen - sieve was ready upon the desk once more . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ’s hands lay on either side of it , the right one as blackened and burnt - looking as ever . It did not seem to have healed at all and [Harry]136-harry wondered , for perhaps the hundredth time , what had caused such a distinctive injury , but did not ask ; [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had said that [he]146-dumbledore would know eventually and there was , in any case , another subject [he]146-dumbledore wanted to discuss . But before [Harry]136-harry could say anything about [Snape]156-snape and [Malfoy]170-malfoy , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore spoke . "[5066-someone] [I]0-i hear that [you]2603-you met [the Minister of Magic]710-the minister of magic over Christmas ? " "[710-the minister of magic] Yes , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[710-the minister of magic] [He]710-the minister of magic 's not very happy with [me]0-i . " "[710-the minister of magic] No , " sighed [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[710-the minister of magic] [He]710-the minister of magic is not very happy with [me]0-i either . [We]2605-we must try not to sink beneath [our]2605-we anguish , [Harry]136-harry , but battle on . " [Harry]136-harry grinned . "[710-the minister of magic] [He]710-the minister of magic wanted [me]0-i to tell [the Wizarding community]814-the wizarding community that [the Ministry]4400-the ministry 's doing a wonderful job . ' [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore smiled . " It was [Fudge]139-fudge 's idea originally , [you]2603-you know . During [his]710-the minister of magic last days in [office]5954-office , when [he]710-the minister of magic was trying desperately to cling to [his]710-the minister of magic post , [he]710-the minister of magic sought a meeting with [you]2603-you , hoping that [you]2603-you would give [him]710-the minister of magic [your]2603-you support — "[146-dumbledore] " After everything [Fudge]139-fudge did last year ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry angrily . " After [Umbridge]201-dolores umbridge ? ”[136-harry] " [I]146-dumbledore told [Cornelius]139-fudge there was no chance of it , but the idea did not die when [he]710-the minister of magic left : [office]5954-office . Within hours of [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour 's appointment [we]5956-we met and [he]148-scrimgeour demanded that [I]146-dumbledore arrange a meeting with [you]2603-you — "[146-dumbledore] " So that 's why [you]146-dumbledore argued ! "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry blurted out . " [It]5957-it was in the Daily Prophet "[136-harry] ' " [The Prophet]5056-the prophet is bound to report the truth occasionally , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , " if only accidentally . Yes , that was why [we]5956-we argued . Well , it appears that [Rufus]148-scrimgeour found a way to corner [you]2603-you at last . "[146-dumbledore] " [He]148-scrimgeour accused [me]136-harry of being ' [[Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's man]5959-dumbledore 's man through and through . ' "[136-harry] " How very rude of [him]148-scrimgeour . "[146-dumbledore] " [I]146-dumbledore told [him]148-scrimgeour [I]146-dumbledore was . "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore opened [his]146-dumbledore mouth to speak and then closed it again . Behind [Harry]136-harry , [Fawkes]365-fawkes [the phoenix]2608-the phoenix let out a low , soft , musical cry . To [Harry]136-harry ’s intense embarrassment , [he]136-harry suddenly realized that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's bright blue eyes looked rather watery , ami stared hastily at [his]136-harry own knees . When [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore spoke , however , [his]146-dumbledore voice was quite steady . " [I]146-dumbledore am very touched , [Harry]136-harry . "[146-dumbledore] " [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour wanted to know where [you]146-dumbledore go when [you]146-dumbledore 're not at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , still looking fixedly at [his]136-harry knees . " Yes , [he]148-scrimgeour is very nosy about that , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , now sounding cheerful , and [Harry]136-harry thought it safe to look up again . " [He]148-scrimgeour has even attempted to have [me]146-dumbledore followed . Amusing , really . [He]148-scrimgeour set [Dawlish]324-dawlish to tail [me]146-dumbledore . It was n't kind . [I]146-dumbledore have already been forced to jinx [Dawlish]324-dawlish once ; [I]146-dumbledore did it again with the greatest regret . "[146-dumbledore] " So [they]5960-they still do n't know where [you]146-dumbledore go ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry , hoping for more information on this intriguing subject , but [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore merely smiled over the top of [his]146-dumbledore half - moon spectacles . " No , [they]5960-they do n't , and the time is not quite right for [you]136-harry to know either . Now , [I]146-dumbledore suggest [we]5961-we press on , unless there 's anything else — ? "[146-dumbledore] " There is , actually , [sir]985-sir , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " It 's about [Malfoy]170-malfoy and [Snape]156-snape . "[136-harry] " [Professor Snape]221-snape , [Harry]136-harry . "[146-dumbledore] " Yes , [sir]985-sir . [I]146-dumbledore overheard [them]5960-they during [Professor Slughorns]472-slughorns party . . . well , [I]146-dumbledore followed [them]5960-they , actually . ... "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore listened to [Harry]136-harry 's story with an impassive face . When [Harry]136-harry had finished [he]136-harry did not speak for a few moments , then said , " Thank [you]136-harry for telling [me]136-harry this , [Harry]136-harry , but [I]136-harry suggest that [you]136-harry put it out of [your]136-harry mind . [I]136-harry do not think that it is of great importance . "[136-harry] " Not of great importance ? "[136-harry] repeated [Harry]136-harry incredulously . " [Professor]4626-professor , did [you]4626-professor understand — ? "[136-harry] " Yes , [Harry]136-harry , blessed as [I]146-dumbledore am with extraordinary brainpower , [I]146-dumbledore understood everything [you]136-harry told [me]146-dumbledore , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , a little sharply . " [I]146-dumbledore think [you]136-harry might even consider the possibility that [I]146-dumbledore understood more than [you]136-harry did . Again , [I]146-dumbledore am glad that [you]136-harry have con - lided in [me]146-dumbledore , but let [me]146-dumbledore reassure [you]136-harry that [you]136-harry have not told [me]146-dumbledore anything that causes [me]146-dumbledore disquiet . "[146-dumbledore] [Harry]136-harry sat in seething silence , glaring at [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . What was going on ? Did this mean that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had indeed ordered [Snape]221-snape to find out what [Malfoy]170-malfoy was doing , in which case [he]221-snape had already heard everything [Harry]136-harry had just told [him]221-snape from [Snape]221-snape ? Or was [he]221-snape really worried by what [he]221-snape had heard , but pretending not to be ? " So , [sir]985-sir , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , in what [he]136-harry hoped was a polite , calm voice , " [you]985-sir definitely still trust — ? "[136-harry] " [I]146-dumbledore have been tolerant enough to answer that question already , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , but [he]146-dumbledore did not sound very tolerant anymore . " [My]146-dumbledore answer has not changed . "[146-dumbledore] " [I]417-phineas nigellus should think not , "[417-phineas nigellus] said a snide voice ; [Phineas Nigellus]417-phineas nigellus was evidently only pretending to be asleep . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ignored [him]417-phineas nigellus . " And now , [Harry]136-harry , [I]146-dumbledore must insist that [we]5966-we press on . [I]146-dumbledore have more important things to discuss with [you]136-harry this evening . "[146-dumbledore] [Harry]136-harry sat there feeling mutinous . How would it be if [he]221-snape refused to permit the change of subject , if [he]221-snape insisted upon arguing the case against [Malfoy]170-malfoy ? As though [he]146-dumbledore had read [Harry]136-harry 's mind , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore shook [his]146-dumbledore head . " Ah , [Harry]136-harry , how often this happens , even between [the best of friends]5967-the best of friends ! Each of [us]5966-we believes that what [he]221-snape has to say is much more important than anything [the other]844-the other might have to contribute ! "[146-dumbledore] " [I]136-harry do n't think what [you]146-dumbledore 've got to say is unimportant , [sir]985-sir , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry stiffly . " Well , [you]136-harry are quite right , because it is not , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore briskly . " [I]146-dumbledore have two more memories to show [you]136-harry this evening , both obtained with enormous difficulty , and the second of them is , [1]146-dumbledore think , the most important [I]146-dumbledore have collected . "[146-dumbledore] [Harry]136-harry did not say anything to this ; [he]136-harry still felt angry at the reception [his]136-harry confidences had received , but could not see what was to be gained by arguing further . " So , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , in a ringing voice , " [we]5966-we meet this evening to continue the tale of [Tom Riddle]379-riddle , whom [we]5966-we left last lesson poised on the threshold of [his]379-riddle years at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts . [You]136-harry will remember how excited [he]379-riddle was to hear that [he]379-riddle was [a wizard]4450-a wizard , that [he]379-riddle refused [my]146-dumbledore company on a trip to [Diagon Alley]34-diagon alley , and that [I]146-dumbledore , in turn , warned [him]379-riddle against continued thievery when [he]379-riddle arrived at [school]4622-school . "[146-dumbledore] Well , the start of the school year arrived and with it came [Tom Riddle]379-riddle , [a quiet boy in [his]379-riddle secondhand robes , who lined up with [the other first years to be sorted]2610-the other first years to be sorted]2609-a quiet boy in his secondhand robes , who lined up with the other first years to be sorted . [He]379-riddle was placed in [Slytherin House]105-slytherin house almost the moment that the Sorting Hat touched [his]379-riddle head , " continued [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , waving [his]146-dumbledore blackened hand toward the shelf over [his]146-dumbledore head where the Sorting Hat sat , ancient and unmoving . "[379-riddle] How soon [Riddle]379-riddle learned that [the famous founder of [the House]4472-the house]2611-the famous founder of the house could talk to snakes , [I]0-i do not know — perhaps that very evening . The knowledge can only have excited [him]379-riddle and increased [his]379-riddle sense of self - importance . " However , if [he]379-riddle was frightening or impressing [fellow Slytherins]295-the slytherins with displays of [Parseltongue]69-parseltongue in [[their]5972-their common room]5973-their common room , no hint of it reached [the staff]4724-the staff . [He]379-riddle showed no sign of outward arrogance or aggression at all . As [an unusually talented and very good - looking orphan]5975-an unusually talented and very good - looking orphan , [he]379-riddle naturally drew attention and sympathy from [the staff]4724-the staff almost from the moment of [his]379-riddle arrival . [He]379-riddle seemed police , quiet , and thirsty for knowledge . Nearly all were most favorably impressed by [him]379-riddle . "[379-riddle] " Did n't [you]0-i tell [them]4724-the staff , [sir]985-sir , what [he]379-riddle 'd been like when [you]0-i met [him]379-riddle at [the orphanage]2147-the orphanage ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry . " No , [I]146-dumbledore did not . Though [he]379-riddle had shown no hint of remorse , it was possible that [he]379-riddle felt sorry for how [he]379-riddle had behaved before and was resolved to turn over a fresh leaf . [I]146-dumbledore chose to give [him]379-riddle that chance . "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore paused and looked inquiringly at [Harry]136-harry , who had opened [his]136-harry mouth to speak . Here , again , was [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's tendency to trust [people]681-people in spite of overwhelming evidence that [they]681-people did not deserve it ! But then [Harry]136-harry remembered something . . . . " But [you]985-sir did n't really trust [him]379-riddle , [sir]985-sir , did [you]985-sir ? [He]379-riddle told [me]146-dumbledore . . . [the Riddle who came out of that diary]5980-the riddle who came out of that diary said , ' [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore never seemed to like [me]146-dumbledore as much as [the other teachers]5981-the other teachers did . ' "[146-dumbledore] " Let [us]5982-us say that [I]146-dumbledore did not take it for granted that [he]379-riddle was trustworthy , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [I]146-dumbledore had , as [I]146-dumbledore have already indicated , resolved to keep a close eye upon [him]379-riddle , and so [I]146-dumbledore did . [I]146-dumbledore can not pretend that [I]146-dumbledore gleaned a great deal from [my]146-dumbledore observations at first . [He]379-riddle was very guarded with [me]146-dumbledore ; [he]379-riddle felt , [I]146-dumbledore am sure , that in the thrill of discovering [his]379-riddle true identity [he]379-riddle had told [me]146-dumbledore a little too much . [He]379-riddle was careful never to reveal as much again , but [he]379-riddle could not take back what [he]379-riddle had let slip in [his]379-riddle excitement , nor what [Mrs. Cole]419-mrs. cole had confided in [me]146-dumbledore . However , [he]379-riddle had the sense never to try and charm [me]146-dumbledore as [he]379-riddle charmed so many of [[my]146-dumbledore colleagues]5983-my colleagues . "[146-dumbledore] As [he]2614-he moved up [the school]1525-the school , [he]2614-he gathered about [him]2614-he [a group of [dedicated friends]2617-dedicated friends]2616-a group of dedicated friends ; [I]0-i call [them]2616-a group of dedicated friends that , for want of a better term , although as [I]0-i have already indicated , [Riddle]379-riddle undoubtedly felt no affection for any of [them]2616-a group of dedicated friends . [This group]2618-this group had a kind of dark glamour within [the castle]4540-the castle . [They]2618-this group were a motley collection ; a mixture of [the weak seeking protection]2620-the weak seeking protection , the ambitious seeking some shared glory , and the thuggish gravitating toward [a leader who could show [them]2618-this group more refined forms of cruelty]2621-a leader who could show them more refined forms of cruelty . In other words , [they]2618-this group were [the forerunners of [the Death Eaters]4511-the death eaters]2622-the forerunners of the death eaters , and indeed [some of [them]2618-this group]2624-some of them became [the first Death Eaters]2625-the first death eaters after leaving [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts . " Rigidly controlled by [Riddle]379-riddle , [they]2618-this group were never detected in open wrongdoing , although [their]2618-this group seven years at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts were marked by a number of nasty incidents to which [they]2618-this group were never satisfactorily linked , the most serious of which was , of course , the opening of [the Chamber of Secrets]5984-the chamber of secrets , which resulted in the death of [a girl]4778-a girl . As [you]5986-you know , [Hagrid]218-hagrid was wrongly accused of that crime . "[0-i] [I]0-i have not been able to find many memories of [Riddle]379-riddle at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , placing [his]146-dumbledore withered hand on the Pensieve . "[379-riddle] [Few who knew [him]379-riddle then]2626-few who knew him then are prepared to talk about [him]379-riddle ; [they]2626-few who knew him then are too terrified . What [I]0-i know , [I]0-i found out after [he]379-riddle had left [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , after much painstaking effort , after tracing [those few who could be tricked into speaking]2627-those few who could be tricked into speaking , after searching old records and questioning [Muggle]206-morfin and [wizard witnesses]2628-wizard witnesses alike . " Those whom [I]2629-he could persuade to talk told [me]2629-he that [Riddle]379-riddle was obsessed with [his]379-riddle parentage . This is understandable , of course ; [he]379-riddle had grown up in [an orphanage]1865-an orphanage and naturally wished to know how [he]379-riddle came to be [there]4506-there . It seems that [he]379-riddle searched in vain for some trace of [Tom Riddle]379-riddle senior on the shields in [the trophy room]5989-the trophy room , on the lists of [prefects in the old school records]5990-prefects in the old school records , even in the books of Wizarding history . Finally [he]379-riddle was forced to accept that [[his]379-riddle father]904-his father had never set foot in [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts . [I]2629-he believe that it was then that [he]379-riddle dropped the name forever , assumed the identity of [Lord Volde - mort]498-lord volde - mort , and began [his]379-riddle investigations into [[his]379-riddle previously despised mother 's family]5992-his previously despised mother 's family — [the woman whom , [you]5994-you will remember , [he]379-riddle had thought could not be [a witch]1852-a witch if [she]5993-the woman whom , you will remember , he had thought could not be a witch if she had succumbed to the shameful human weakness of death had succumbed to the shameful human weakness of death]5993-the woman whom , you will remember , he had thought could not be a witch if she had succumbed to the shameful human weakness of death . "[2629-he] All [he]2629-he had to go upon was the single name ' [Marvolo]379-riddle , ' which [he]2629-he knew from [those who ran [the orphanage]2147-the orphanage]2630-those who ran the orphanage had been [[his]2629-he mother 's father]2632-his mother 's father 's name . Finally , after painstaking research , through old books of [Wizarding families]2633-wizarding families , [he]2629-he discovered the existence of [Slytherin]434-slytherin 's surviving line . In the summer of [his]2629-he sixteenth year , [he]2629-he left [the orphanage]2147-the orphanage to which [he]2629-he returned annually and set off to find [[his]2629-he Gaunt relatives]2635-his gaunt relatives . And now , [Harry]136-harry , if [you]136-harry will stand ... " : [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore rose , and [Harry]136-harry saw that [he]0-i was again holding a. small crystal bottle filled with swirling , pearly memory . "[0-i] [I]0-i was very lucky to collect this , " [he]0-i said , as [he]0-i poured the gleaming mass into the Pensieve . "[0-i] As [you]136-harry will understand when [we]2636-we have experienced it . Shall [we]2636-we ? " [Harry]136-harry stepped up to the stone basin and bowed obediently until [his]136-harry face sank through the surface of the memory ; [he]136-harry felt the familiar sensation of falling through nothingness and then landed upon a dirty stone floor in almost total darkness . It took [him]136-harry several seconds to recognize [the place]4424-the place , by which time [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had landed beside [him]136-harry . [[The Gaunts]376-the gaunts ' house]5997-the gaunts ' house was now more indescribably filthy than anywhere [Harry]136-harry had ever seen . The ceiling was thick with cobwebs , the floor coated in grime ; moldy and rotting food lay upon the table amidst a mass of crusted pots . The only light came from a single guttering candle placed at the feet of [a man with hair and beard so overgrown Harry]5998-a man with hair and beard so overgrown harry could see neither eyes nor mouth . [He]5998-a man with hair and beard so overgrown harry was slumped in an armchair by the fire , and [Harry]136-harry wondered for a moment whether [he]5998-a man with hair and beard so overgrown harry was dead . But then there came a loud knock on the door and [the man]874-the man jerked awake , raising a wand in [his]874-the man right hand and a short knife in [his]874-the man left . The door creaked open . There on the threshold , holding an old - fashioned lamp , stood [a boy [Harry]136-harry recognized at once]6000-a boy harry recognized at once : tall , pale , dark - haired , and handsome — the teenage [Voldemort]192-voldemort . [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's eyes moved slowly around [the hovel]6001-the hovel and then found [the man in the armchair]6002-the man in the armchair . For a few seconds [they]6003-they looked at [each other]4377-each other , then [the man]874-the man staggered upright , the many empty bottles at [his]874-the man feet clattering and tinkling across the floor . "[2637-you] [YOU]2637-you ! " [he]192-voldemort bellowed . "[2637-you] [YOU]2637-you ! " And [he]874-the man hurtled drunkenly at [Riddle]379-riddle , wand and knife held aloft . "[2637-you] Stop . " [Riddle]379-riddle spoke in [Parseltongue]69-parseltongue . [The man]874-the man skidded into the table , sending moldy pots crashing to the floor . [He]874-the man stared at [Riddle]379-riddle . There was a long silence while [they]6003-they contemplated [each other]4377-each other . [The man]874-the man broke it . "[2637-you] [You]2637-you speak it ? " "[2637-you] Yes , [I]0-i speak it , " said [Riddle]379-riddle . [He]379-riddle moved forward into [the room]685-the room , allowing the door to swing shut behind [him]379-riddle . [Harry]136-harry could not help but feel a resentful admiration for [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's complete lack of fear . [His]192-voldemort race merely expressed disgust and , perhaps , disappointment . "[0-i] Where is [Marvolo]379-riddle ? " [he]136-harry asked . "[379-riddle] Dead , " said [the other]844-the other . "[379-riddle] Died years ago , did n't [he]379-riddle ? " [Riddle]379-riddle frowned . "[379-riddle] Who are [you]2637-you , then ? " "[2637-you] [I]0-i ’m [Morfin]206-morfin , ai n't [I]0-i ? " "[0-i] [[Marvolo]379-riddle 's son]2638-marvolo 's son ? " "[2638-marvolo 's son] ' Course [I]0-i am , then ... " ? , , . [Morfin]206-morfin pushed the hair out of [his]206-morfin dirty face , the better to see [Riddle]379-riddle , and [Harry]136-harry saw that [he]206-morfin wore [Marvolo]379-riddle 's black - stoned ring on [his]206-morfin right hand . "[0-i] [I]0-i thought [you]2637-you was [that Muggle]1817-that muggle , " whispered [Morfin]206-morfin . "[1817-that muggle] [You]2637-you look mighty like [that Muggle]1817-that muggle . " "[1817-that muggle] What [Muggle]206-morfin ? " said [Riddle]379-riddle sharply . "[206-morfin] That Muggle what [[my]0-i sister]5651-my sister took a fancy to , [that Muggle]1817-that muggle what lives in [the big house]2643-the big house over the way , " said [Morfin]206-morfin , and [he]206-morfin spat unexpectedly upon the floor between [them]6011-them . "[1817-that muggle] [You]2637-you look right like [him]1817-that muggle . [Riddle]379-riddle . But [he]1817-that muggle 's older now , in ' [e]2644-e ? [He]1817-that muggle 's older'n [you]2637-you , now [I]0-i think on it . ... " [Morfin]206-morfin looked slightly dazed and swayed a little , still clutching the edge of the table for support . "[1817-that muggle] [He]1817-that muggle come back , see , " [he]206-morfin added stupidly . [Voldemort]192-voldemort was gazing at [Morfin]206-morfin as though appraising [his]206-morfin possibilities . Now [he]192-voldemort moved a little closer and said , "[1817-that muggle] [Riddle]379-riddle came back ? " "[374-ar] [Ar]374-ar , [he]1817-that muggle left [her]374-ar , and serve [her]374-ar right , marrying [filth]2645-filth ! " said [Morfin]206-morfin , spitting on the floor again . "[1817-that muggle] Robbed [us]2646-us , mind , before [she]374-ar ran off . , Where 's the locket , eh , where 's [Slytherin]434-slytherin 's locket ? " [Voldemort]192-voldemort did not answer . [Morfin]206-morfin was working [himself]206-morfin into a rage again ; [he]206-morfin brandished [his]206-morfin knife and shouted , "[434-slytherin] Dishonored [us]2646-us , , [she]374-ar did , [that little slut]2647-that little slut ! And whore [you]2648-you , coming here and asking questions about all that ? It 's over , innit . . . . It 's over . ... " [He]206-morfin looked away , staggering slightly , and [Voldemort]192-voldemort moved forward . As [he]192-voldemort did so , an unnatural darkness fell , extinguishing [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's lamp and [Morfin]206-morfin 's candle , extinguishing everything . . . . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's fingers closed tightly around [Harry]136-harry 's arm and [they]6012-they were soaring back into the present again . The soft golden light in [[Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's office]4815-dumbledore 's office seemed to dazzle [Harry]136-harry 's eyes after that impenetrable darkness . | "[374-ar] Is that all ? " said [Harry]136-harry at once . "[374-ar] Why did it go dark , what happened ? " "[374-ar] Because [Morfin]206-morfin could not remember anything from that point onward , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , gesturing [Harry]136-harry back into [his]136-harry seat . "[206-morfin] When [he]206-morfin awoke next morning , [he]206-morfin was lying on the floor , quite alone . [Marvolo]379-riddle 's ring had gone . " Meanwhile , in [the village of Little Hangleton]1856-the village of little hangleton , [a maid]6015-a maid was running along [the High Street]2054-the high street , screaming that there were three bodies lying in [the drawing room of [the big house]2643-the big house]6017-the drawing room of the big house : [Tom Riddle Senior]499-tom riddle senior and [[his]499-tom riddle senior mother]1264-his mother and [father]1133-father . "[379-riddle] [The Muggle authorities]2649-the muggle authorities were perplexed . As far as [I]0-i am aware , [they]2649-the muggle authorities do not know to this day how [the Riddles]500-the riddles died , for [the Avadu Kedavra]501-the avadu kedavra curse does not usually leave any sign of damage . . . . The exception sits before [me]0-i , " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore added , with a nod to [Harry]136-harry 's scar . "[0-i] [The Ministry]4400-the ministry , on the other hand , knew at once that this was [a wizard]4450-a wizard 's murder . [They]4400-the ministry also knew that [a convicted Muggle - hater]2652-a convicted muggle - hater lived across [the valley]1752-the valley from [the Riddle house]2654-the riddle house , [a Muggle - hater who had already been imprisoned once for attacking one of [the murdered people]2656-the murdered people]2655-a muggle - hater who had already been imprisoned once for attacking one of the murdered people . " So [the Ministry]4400-the ministry called upon [Morfin]206-morfin . [They]4400-the ministry did not need to question [him]206-morfin , to use Veritaserum or [Legilimency]456-legilimency . [He]206-morfin admitted to the murder on the spot , giving details only [the murderer]6022-the murderer could know . [He]206-morfin was proud , [he]206-morfin said , to have killed [the Muggles]143-muggles , had been awaiting [his]206-morfin chance all these years . [He]206-morfin handed over [his]206-morfin wand , which was proved at once to have been used to kill [the Riddles]500-the riddles . And [he]206-morfin permitted [himself]206-morfin to be led off to [Azkaban]3-azkaban without a fight . All that disturbed [him]206-morfin was the fact that [his]206-morfin fathers ring had disappeared . ' [He]206-morfin 'll kill [me]2652-a convicted muggle - hater for losing it , ' [he]206-morfin told [[his]206-morfin captors]6023-his captors over and over again . ' [He]206-morfin 'll kill [me]2652-a convicted muggle - hater for losing [his]206-morfin ring . ' And that , apparently , was all [he]206-morfin ever said again . [He]206-morfin lived out the remainder of [his]206-morfin life in [Azkaban]3-azkaban , lamenting the loss of [Marvolo]379-riddle 's last heirloom , and is buried beside [the prison]4428-the prison , alongside [the other poor souls who have expired within [its]4428-the prison walls]6025-the other poor souls who have expired within its walls . "[2652-a convicted muggle - hater] " So [Voldemort]192-voldemort stole [Morfin]206-morfin 's wand and used it ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , sitting up straight . " That 's right , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [We]6026-we have no memories to show [us]6026-we this , but [I]146-dumbledore think [we]6026-we can be fairly sure what happened . [Voldemort]192-voldemort Stupefied [[his]192-voldemort uncle]4586-his uncle , took [his]192-voldemort wand , and proceeded across [the valley]1752-the valley to ' [the big house]2643-the big house over the way . ' There [he]192-voldemort murdered [the Muggle man who had abandoned [[his]192-voldemort witch mother]6031-his witch mother , and , for good measure , [[his]192-voldemort Muggle grandparents]6032-his muggle grandparents , thus obliterating the last of the unworthy Riddle line and revenging [himself]192-voldemort upon [the father who never wanted [him]192-voldemort]6033-the father who never wanted him]6030-the muggle man who had abandoned his witch mother , and , for good measure , his muggle grandparents , thus obliterating the last of the unworthy riddle line and revenging himself upon the father who never wanted him . Then [he]192-voldemort returned to [the Gaunt hovel]6034-the gaunt hovel , performed the complex bit of magic that would implant a false memory in [[his]192-voldemort uncle]4586-his uncle 's mind , laid [Morfin]206-morfin 's wand beside [its unconscious owner]6036-its unconscious owner , pocketed the ancient ring [he]206-morfin wore , and departed . "[146-dumbledore] " And [Morfin]206-morfin never realized [he]206-morfin had n't done it ? "[2652-a convicted muggle - hater] " Never , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [He]206-morfin gave , as [I]146-dumbledore say , a full and boastful confession . "[146-dumbledore] " But [he]206-morfin had this real memory in [him]206-morfin all the time ! "[2652-a convicted muggle - hater] " Yes , but it took a great deal of skilled Legilimency to coax it out of [him]206-morfin , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , " and why should [anybody]665-anybody delve further into [Morfin]206-morfin 's mind when [he]206-morfin had already confessed to the crime ? However , [I]146-dumbledore was able to secure a visit to [Morfin]206-morfin in the last weeks of [his]206-morfin life , by which time [I]146-dumbledore was attempting to discover as much as [I]146-dumbledore could about [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's past . [I]146-dumbledore extracted this memory with difficulty . When [I]146-dumbledore saw what it contained , [I]146-dumbledore attempted to use it to secure [Morfin]206-morfin 's release from [Azkaban]3-azkaban . Before [the Ministry]4400-the ministry reached [their]4400-the ministry decision , however , [Morfin]206-morfin had died . "[146-dumbledore] " But how come [the Ministry]4400-the ministry did n't realize that [Voldemort]192-voldemort had done all that to [Morfin]206-morfin ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry asked angrily " [He]206-morfin was underage at the time , was n't [he]206-morfin ? [I]2652-a convicted muggle - hater thought [they]4400-the ministry could detect underage magic ! "[2652-a convicted muggle - hater] " [You]136-harry are quite right — [they]4400-the ministry can detect magic , but not [the perpetrator]6040-the perpetrator : [You]136-harry will remember that [you]136-harry were blamed by [the Ministry]4400-the ministry for the Hover Charm that was , in fact , cast by — "[146-dumbledore] " [Dobby]502-dobby , "[136-harry] growled [Harry]136-harry ; this injustice still rankled . " So if [you]136-harry 're underage and [you]136-harry do magic inside [an adult witch]6042-an adult witch or [[wizard]6043-wizard 's house]6044-wizard 's house , [the Ministry]4400-the ministry wo n't know ? "[146-dumbledore] " [They]4400-the ministry will certainly be unable to tell who performed the magic , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , smiling slightly at the look of great indignation on [Harrys]269-harrys face . " [They]4400-the ministry rely on [witch]6046-witch and [wizard parents]6047-wizard parents to enforce [[their]4400-the ministry offspring]6048-their offspring 's obedience while within [their]4400-the ministry walls . "[146-dumbledore] " Well , that 's rubbish , "[136-harry] snapped [Harry]136-harry . " Look what happened here , look what happened to [Morfin]206-morfin ! "[136-harry] " [I]146-dumbledore agree , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " Whatever [Morfin]206-morfin was , [he]206-morfin did not deserve to die as [he]206-morfin did , blamed for murders [he]206-morfin had not committed . But it is getting late , and [I]146-dumbledore want [you]136-harry to see this other memory before [we]6049-we part . ... "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore took from an inside pocket another crystal phial and [Harry]136-harry fell silent at once , remembering that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had said it was the most important one [he]136-harry had collected . [Harry]136-harry noticed that the contents proved difficult to empty into [the Pensieve]65-the pensieve , as though they had congealed slightly ; did memories go bad ? " This will not take long , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , when [he]146-dumbledore had finally emptied the phial . " [We]6049-we shall be back before [you]136-harry know it . Once more into [the Pensieve]65-the pensieve , then . . . "[146-dumbledore] And [Harry]136-harry fell again through the silver surface , landing this time right in front of [a man [he]136-harry recognized at once]2657-a man he recognized at once . It was a much younger [Horace Slughorn]193-slughorn . [Harry]136-harry was so used to [him]193-slughorn bald that [he]136-harry found the sight of [Slughorn]193-slughorn with thick , shiny , straw - colored hair quite disconcerting ; it looked as though [he]193-slughorn had had [his]193-slughorn head thatched , though there was already a shiny Galleon - sized bald patch on [his]193-slughorn crown . [His]193-slughorn mustache , less massive than it was these days , was gingery - blond . [He]193-slughorn was not quite as rotund as [the Slughorn Harry]503-harry knew , though the golden buttons on [his]193-slughorn richly embroidered waistcoat were taking a fair amount of strain . [His]193-slughorn little feet resting upon a velvet pouffe , [he]193-slughorn was sitting well back in a comfortable winged armchair , one hand grasping a small glass of wine , the other searching through a box of crystalized pineapple . [Harry]503-harry looked around as [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore appeared beside [him]136-harry and saw that [they]2658-they were standing in [[Slughorn]503-harry 's office]5766-slughorn 's office . [Haifa dozen boys]2660-haifa dozen boys were sitting around [Slughorn]503-harry , all on harder or lower seats than [his]503-harry , and all in [their]2660-haifa dozen boys mid - teens . [Harry]503-harry recognized [Voldemort]192-voldemort at once . [His]192-voldemort was the most handsome face and [he]192-voldemort looked the most relaxed of [all the boys]2661-all the boys . [His]192-voldemort right hand lay negligently upon the arm of [his]192-voldemort chair ; with a jolt , [Harry]503-harry saw that [he]192-voldemort was wearing [Marvolo]379-riddle 's gold - and - black ring ; [he]192-voldemort had already killed [[his]192-voldemort father]904-his father . " [Sir]985-sir , is it true that [Professor Merrythought]504-professor merrythought is retiring ? "[503-harry] [he]503-harry asked . " [Tom]379-riddle , [Tom]379-riddle , if [I]503-harry knew [I]503-harry could n't tell [you]379-riddle , "[503-harry] said [Slughorn]503-harry , wagging a reproving , sugar - covered finger at [Riddle]379-riddle , though ruining the effect slightly by winking . " [I]379-riddle must say , [I]379-riddle 'd like to know where [you]379-riddle get [your]379-riddle information , [boy]5320-boy , more knowledgeable than [half the staff]6052-half the staff , [you]379-riddle are . ”[379-riddle] [Riddle]379-riddle smiled ; [the other boys]2663-the other boys laughed and cast [him]379-riddle admiring looks . " What with [your]379-riddle uncanny ability to know things [you]379-riddle should n’t , and [your]379-riddle careful flattery of [the people who matter]6053-the people who matter — thank [you]379-riddle fm the pineapple , by the way , [you]379-riddle 're quite right , it is [my]2663-the other boys favorite — "[2663-the other boys] As [several of [the boys]1179-the boys]2664-several of the boys tittered , something very odd happened . [The whole room]5148-the whole room was suddenly filled with a thick white fog , so that [Harry]503-harry could see nothing but the face of [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , who was standing beside [him]503-harry . Then [Slughorn]503-harry 's voice rang out through the mist , unnaturally loudly , " [You]379-riddle 'll go wrong , [boy]5320-boy , mark [my]503-harry words . "[503-harry] The fog cleared as suddenly as it had appeared and yet [nobody]687-nobody made any allusion to it , nor did [anybody]665-anybody look as though anything unusual had just happened . [Bewildered]505-bewildered , [Harry]503-harry looked around as a small golden clock standing upon [Slughorn]503-harry 's desk chimed eleven o'clock . " [Good gracious]5059-good gracious , is it that time already ? "[503-harry] said [Slughorn]503-harry . " [You]5320-boy 'd better get going , [boys]1488-boys , or [we]1488-boys 'll all be in trouble . [Lestrange]157-bellatrix , [I]503-harry want [your]5320-boy essay by tomorrow or it 's detention . Same goes for [you]5320-boy , [Avery]162-avery . "[503-harry] [Slughorn]503-harry pulled [himself]503-harry out of [his]503-harry armchair and carried [his]503-harry empty glass over to [his]503-harry desk as [the boys]1179-the boys filed out . [Voldemort]192-voldemort , however , stayed behind . [Harry]503-harry could tell [he]192-voldemort had dawdled deliberately , wanting to be last in [the room]685-the room with [Slughorn]503-harry . " Look sharp , [Tom]379-riddle , "[503-harry] said [Slughorn]503-harry , turning around and finding [him]503-harry still present . " [You]379-riddle do n't want to be caught out of bed out of hours , and [you]379-riddle [a prefect]1444-a prefect ... "[503-harry] " [Sir]985-sir , [I]192-voldemort wanted to ask [you]985-sir something . "[192-voldemort] " Ask away , then , [m'boy]5032-m'boy , ask away .... "[503-harry] " [Sir]985-sir , [I]503-harry wondered what [you]985-sir know about . . . about [Horcruxes]511-horcruxes ? "[503-harry] And it happened all over again : The dense fog filled [the room]685-the room so that [Harry]503-harry could not see [Slughorn]503-harry or [Voldemort]192-voldemort at all ; only [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , smiling serenely beside [him]503-harry . Then [Slughorn]503-harry 's voice boomed out again , just as it had done before . " [I]503-harry do n't know anything about [Horcruxes]511-horcruxes and [I]503-harry would n't tell [you]503-harry if [I]503-harry did ! Now get out of [here]4439-here at once and do n’t let [me]503-harry catch [you]503-harry mentioning [them]6062-them again ! "[503-harry] " Well , that 's that , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore placidly beside [Harry]503-harry . " Time to go . "[146-dumbledore] And [Harry]503-harry 's feet left the floor to fall , seconds later , back onto the rug in front of [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's desk . " That 's all there is ? "[503-harry] said [Harry]503-harry blankly . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had said that this was the most important memory of all , but [he]503-harry could not see what was so significant about it . Admittedly the fog , and the fact that [nobody]687-nobody seemed to have noticed it , was odd , but other than that nothing seemed to have happened except that [Voldemort]192-voldemort had asked a question and failed to get an answer . " As [you]503-harry might have noticed , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , reseating [himself]146-dumbledore behind [his]146-dumbledore desk , " that memory has been tampered with . "[146-dumbledore] " Tampered with ? "[503-harry] repeated [Harry]503-harry , sitting back down too . " Certainly , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn has meddled with [his]216-slughorn own recollections . "[146-dumbledore] " But why would [he]216-slughorn do that ? "[146-dumbledore] " Because , [I]146-dumbledore think , [he]216-slughorn is ashamed of what [he]216-slughorn remembers , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [He]216-slughorn has tried to rework the memory to show [himself]216-slughorn in a better light , obliterating those parts which [he]216-slughorn does not wish [me]146-dumbledore to see . It is , as [you]503-harry will have noticed , very crudely done , and that is all to the good , for it shows that the true memory is still there beneath the alterations . "[146-dumbledore] And so , for the first time , [I]0-i am giving [you]503-harry homework , [Harry]503-harry . It will be [your]503-harry job to persuade [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn to divulge the real memory , which will undoubtedly be [our]2673-our most crucial piece of information of all . " [Harry]503-harry stared at [him]146-dumbledore . "[216-slughorn] But surely , [sir]985-sir , " [he]503-harry said , keeping [his]503-harry voice as respectful as possible , "[985-sir] [you]985-sir do n't need [me]0-i — [you]985-sir could use Legilimency ... or Veritaserum . ... " "[216-slughorn] [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn is [an extremely able wizard who will be expecting both]2675-an extremely able wizard who will be expecting both , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[216-slughorn] [He]216-slughorn is much more accomplished at Occlumency than poor [Morfin Gaunt]506-morfin , and [I]0-i would be astonished if [he]216-slughorn has not carried an antidote to Veritaserum with [him]216-slughorn ever since [I]0-i coerced [him]216-slughorn into giving [me]0-i this travesty of a recollection . " No , [I]0-i think it would be foolish to attempt to wrest the truth from [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn by force , and might do much more harm than good ; [I]0-i do not wish [him]216-slughorn to leave [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts . However , [he]216-slughorn has [his]216-slughorn weaknesses like [the rest of [us]6064-we]4522-the rest of us , and [I]0-i believe that [you]503-harry are [the one person who might be able to penetrate [his]216-slughorn defenses]6065-the one person who might be able to penetrate his defenses . It is most important that [we]6064-we secure the true memory , [Harry]503-harry . . . . How important , [we]6064-we will only know when [we]6064-we have seen the real thing . So , good luck . . . and good night . "[0-i] A little taken aback by the abrupt dismissal , [Harry]503-harry got to [his]503-harry feet quickly . " Good night , [sir]985-sir . "[503-harry] As [he]503-harry closed the study door behind [him]503-harry , [he]503-harry distinctly heard [Phineas Nigellus]417-phineas nigellus say , " [I]417-phineas nigellus ca n't see why [the boy]4442-the boy should be able to do it better than [you]503-harry , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[417-phineas nigellus] " [I]146-dumbledore would n't expect [you]503-harry to , [Phineas]417-phineas nigellus , "[146-dumbledore] replied [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , and [Fawkes]365-fawkes gave another low , musical cry . Chapter 18 : Birthday Surprises The next day [Harry]503-harry confided in both [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]358-hermione the task that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had set [him]503-harry , though separately , for [Hermione]358-hermione still refused to remain in [Ron]217-ron 's presence longer than it took to give [him]217-ron a contemptuous look . [Ron]217-ron thought that [Harry]503-harry was unlikely to have any trouble with [Slughorn]503-harry at all . ' [He]503-harry loves [you]503-harry , ' [he]217-ron said over breakfast , waving an airy forkful of fried egg . ' Wo n't refuse [you]503-harry anything , will [he]503-harry ? Not [his]503-harry little Potions [Prince]136-harry . Just hang back after class this afternoon and ask [him]503-harry . ' [Hermione]358-hermione , however , took a gloomier view . ' [He]503-harry must be determined to hide what really happened if [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore could n't get it out of [him]503-harry , ' [she]358-hermione said in a low voice , as [they]2676-they stood in [the deserted , snowy courtyard]2677-the deserted , snowy courtyard at break . ' Horcruxes ... Horcruxes ... [I]0-i 've never even heard of them ... ' ' [You]146-dumbledore have n't ? ' [Harry]136-harry was disappointed ; [he]136-harry had hoped that [Hermione]358-hermione might have been able to give [him]136-harry a clue as to what Horcruxes were . ' [They]2678-they must be really advanced Dark magic , or why would [Voldemort]192-voldemort have wanted to know about [them]2678-they ? [I]0-i think it 's going to be difficult to get the information , [Harry]136-harry , [you]136-harry 'll have to be very careful about how [you]136-harry approach [Slughorn]503-harry , think out a strategy ... " ' [Ron]217-ron reckons [1]217-ron should just hang back after Potions this afternoon ... ' ' Oh , well , if [Won - Won]507-won - won thinks that , [you]136-harry 'd better do it , ' [she]358-hermione said , flaring up at once . ' After all , when has Won - Won 's judgement ever been faulty ? ' ' [Hermione]358-hermione , ca n't [you]136-harry — ' ' No ! ' [she]358-hermione said angrily , and stormed away , leaving [Harry]503-harry alone and ankle - deep in snow . Potions lessons were uncomfortable enough these days , seeing as [Harry]503-harry , [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]358-hermione had to share a desk . Today , [Hermione]358-hermione moved [her]358-hermione cauldron around the table so that [she]358-hermione was close to [Ernie]353-ernie , and ignored both [Harry]503-harry and [Ron]217-ron . ' What 've [you]503-harry done ? ' [Ron]217-ron muttered to [Harry]503-harry , looking at [Hermione]358-hermione 's haughty profile . But before [Harry]503-harry could answer , [Slughorn]503-harry was calling for silence from the front of [the room]685-the room . ' Settle down , settle down , please ! Quickly , now , lots of work to get through this afternoon ! [Golpalott]508-golpalott 's Third Law ... who can tell [me]503-harry - ? But [Miss Granger]194-hermione can , of course ! ' [Hermione]194-hermione recited at top speed : ' [Golpalott's]108-golpalott's - Third - Law- states - that - the - antidote - for - a - blended - poison - will - be - equal - to- more - than - the - sum - of - the - antidotes - for - each - of - the - separale- components . ' ' Precisely ! ' beamed [Slughorn]503-harry . Ten points for [Gryffindor]205-gryffindor ! Now , if [we]2680-we accept [Golpalott]508-golpalott 's Third Law as true ... "[503-harry] [Harry]503-harry was going to have to take [Slughorn]503-harry 's word for it that [Golpalott]508-golpalott 's Third Law was true , because [he]503-harry had not under - stood any of it . [Nobody apart from [Hermione]194-hermione]2679-nobody apart from hermione seemed to be following what [Slughorn]503-harry said next , either . ' ... which means , of course , that assuming [we]2680-we have achieved correct identification of the potion 's ingredients by [Scarpin]509-scarpin 's Revelaspell , [our]2680-we primary aim is not the relatively simple one of selecting antidotes to those ingredients in a of [themselves]2681-themselves , but to find that added component which will , by an almost alchemical process , transform these disparate elements - ' [Ron]217-ron was sitting beside [Harry]503-harry with [his]217-ron mouth half - open , doodling absently on [his]217-ron new copy of Advanced Potion - Making . [Ron]217-ron kept forgetting that [he]217-ron could no longer rely on [Hermione]194-hermione to help [him]217-ron out of trouble when [he]217-ron failed to grasp what was going on . ' ... and so , ' finished [Slughorn]503-harry , ' [I]0-i want each of [you]2682-you to come and take one of these phials from [my]0-i desk . [You]2682-you are to create an antidote for the poison within it before the end of the lesson . Good luck , and do n't forget [your]2682-you protective gloves ! ' [Hermione]194-hermione had left [her]194-hermione stool and was halfway towards [[Siughorn]510-siughorn 's desk]2683-siughorn 's desk before [the rest of the class]1699-the rest of the class had realised it was time to move , and by the time [Harry]503-harry , [Ron]217-ron and [Ernie]353-ernie returned to the table , [she]194-hermione had already tipped the contents of [her]194-hermione phial into [her]194-hermione cauldron and was kindling a fire underneath it . ' it 's a shame that [the Prince]1725-the prince wo n't be able to help [you]503-harry much with this , [Harry]503-harry , ' [she]194-hermione said brightly as [she]194-hermione straightened up . ' [You]503-harry have to understand the principles involved this time . No short cuts or cheats ! ' Annoyed , [Harry]503-harry uncorked the poison [he]503-harry had taken from [Siughorn]510-siughorn 's desk , which was a garish shade of pink , tipped it into [his]503-harry cauldron and lit a fire underneath it . [He]503-harry did not have the faintest idea what [he]503-harry was supposed to do next . [He]503-harry glanced at [Ron]217-ron , who was now standing there looking rather gormless , having copied everything [Harry]503-harry had done . ' [You]503-harry sure [the Prince]1725-the prince has n't got any tips ? ' [Ron]217-ron muttered to [Harry]503-harry . [Harry]503-harry pulled out [his]503-harry trusty copy of Advanced Potion - Making and turned to the chapter on Antidotes . There was [Golpalott]508-golpalott 's Third Law , stated word for word as [Hermione]194-hermione had recited it , but not a single illuminating note in [the Prince]136-harry 's hand to explain what it meant . Apparently [the Prince]1725-the prince , like [Hermione]194-hermione , had had no difficulty understanding it . ' Nothing , ' said [Harry]136-harry gloomily . [Hermione]194-hermione was now waving [her]194-hermione wand enthusiastically over [[her]194-hermione cauldron]2688-her cauldron . Unfortunately , [they]2689-they could not copy the spell [she]194-hermione was doing because [she]194-hermione was now so good at non - verbal incan - tations that [she]194-hermione did not need to say the words aloud . [Ernie Macmillan]353-ernie , however , was muttering , ' Specialis revelio ! ' over [his]353-ernie cauldron , which sounded impressive , so [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron hastened to imitate [him]353-ernie . It took [Harry]136-harry only five minutes to realise that [his]136-harry reputa - tion as [the best potion - maker in the class]2690-the best potion - maker in the class was crashing around [his]136-harry ears . [Slughorn]503-harry had peered hopefully into [[his]503-harry cauldron]1697-his cauldron on [his]503-harry first circuit of [the dungeon]1674-the dungeon , preparing to exclaim in delight as [he]503-harry usually did , and instead had with - drawn [his]503-harry head hastily , coughing , as the smell of bad eggs overwhelmed [him]503-harry . [Hermione]194-hermione 's expression could not have been [any smugger]2693-any smugger ; [she]194-hermione had loathed being out - performed in every Potions class . [She]194-hermione was now decanting the mysteriously separated ingredients of [her]194-hermione poison into ten different crystal phials . More to avoid watching this irritating sight than any - thing else , [Harry]503-harry bent over the Half - Blood Prince 's book and turned a few pages with unnecessary force . And there it was , scrawled right across a long list of antidotes . Just shove a bezoar down [their]2694-their throats . [Harry]503-harry stared at these words for a moment . Had n't [he]503-harry once , long ago , heard of [bezoars]2695-bezoars ? Had n't [Snape]221-snape mentioned [them]2695-bezoars in [their]2694-their first ever Potions lesson ? ' A stone taken from the stomach of a goat , which will protect from most poisons . ' It was not an answer to the Golpalott problem , and had [Snape]221-snape still been [[their]2694-their teacher]2696-their teacher , [Harry]503-harry would not have dared do it , but this was a moment for desperate measures . [He]503-harry hastened towards the store cupboard and rummaged within it , pushing aside unicorn horns and tangles of dried herbs until [he]503-harry found , at the very back , a small card box on which had been scribbled the word ' Bezoars ' . [He]503-harry opened the box just as [Slughorn]503-harry called , Two minutes left , [everyone]4750-everyone ! ' Inside were half a dozen shrivelled brown objects , looking more like dried - up kidneys than real stones . [Harry]503-harry seized one , put the box back in the cupboard and hurried back to [[his]503-harry cauldron]1697-his cauldron . ' Time 's ... UP ! ' called [Slughorn]503-harry genially . ' Well , let 's see how [you]503-harry 've done ! [Blaise]301-zabini ... what have [you]503-harry got for [me]0-i ? ' Slowly , [Slughorn]503-harry moved around [the room]685-the room , examining the various antidotes . [Nobody]687-nobody had finished the task , although [Hermione]194-hermione was trying to cram a few more ingredients into [her]194-hermione bottle before [Slughorn]503-harry reached [her]194-hermione . [Ron]217-ron had given up com - pletely , and was merely trying to avoid breathing in the putrid fumes issuing from [[his]217-ron cauldron]1697-his cauldron . [Harry]503-harry stood there waiting , the bezoar clutched in a slightly sweaty hand . [Slughorn]503-harry reached [their]2702-their table last . [He]503-harry sniffed [Ernie]353-ernie 's potion and passed on to [Ron]217-ron 's with a grimace . [He]503-harry did not linger over [[Ron]217-ron 's cauldron]1709-ron 's cauldron , but backed away swiftly , retching slightly . ' And [you]503-harry , [Harry]503-harry , ' [he]503-harry said . ' What have [you]503-harry got to show [me]0-i ? ' [Harry]503-harry held out [his]503-harry hand , the bezoar sitting on [his]503-harry palm . [Slughorn]503-harry looked down at it for a full ten seconds . [Harry]503-harry wondered , for a moment , whether [he]503-harry was going to shout at [him]503-harry . Then [he]503-harry threw back [his]503-harry head and roared with laughter . ' [You]503-harry 've got a nerve , [boy]5320-boy ! ' [he]503-harry boomed , taking the bezoar and holding it up so that [the class]1633-the class could see it . ' Oh , [you]503-harry 're like [[your]503-harry mother]4687-your mother ... well , 1 ca n't fault [you]503-harry ... a bezoar would certainly act as an antidote to all these potions ! ' [Hermione]194-hermione , who was sweaty - faced and had soot on [her]194-hermione nose , looked livid . [Her]194-hermione half - finished antidote , comprising fifty - two ingredients including a chunk of [her]194-hermione own hair , bubbled sluggishly behind [Slughorn]503-harry , who had eyes for [nobody]687-nobody but [Harry]503-harry . ' And [you]503-harry thought of a bezoar all by [yourself]503-harry , did [you]503-harry , [Harry]503-harry ? ' [she]194-hermione asked through gritted teeth . That 's [the individual spirit a real potion - maker]2708-the individual spirit a real potion - maker needs ! ' said [Slughorn]503-harry happily , before [Harry]503-harry could reply . ' Just like [[his]503-harry mother]1264-his mother , [she]1264-his mother had the same intuitive grasp of potion - making , it 's undoubtedly from [Lily]203-lily [he]503-harry gets it ... yes , [Harry]503-harry , yes , if [you]503-harry 've got a bezoar to hand , of course that would do the trick ... although as they do n't work on everything , and are pretty rare , it 's still worth knowing how to mix antidotes ... ' [The only person in [the room]685-the room looking angrier than [Hermione]194-hermione]2710-the only person in the room looking angrier than hermione was [Malfoy]170-malfoy , who , [Harry]503-harry was pleased to see , had spilled some - thing that looked like cat sick over [himself]503-harry . Before [either of [them]2712-either of them]2712-either of them could express [their]2712-either of them fury that [Harry]503-harry had come top of the class by not doing any work , however , the bell rang . Time to pack up ! ' said [Slughorn]503-harry . ' And an extra ten points to Gryffindor for sheer cheek ! ' Still chuckling , [he]503-harry waddled back to [his]503-harry desk at the front of [the dungeon]1674-the dungeon . [Harry]503-harry dawdled behind , taking an inordinate amount of time to do up [his]503-harry bag . [Neither Ron]217-ron nor [Hermione]194-hermione wished [him]503-harry luck as [they]2712-either of them left ; [both]4898-both looked rather annoyed . At last [Harry]503-harry and [Slughorn]503-harry were [the only two left in [the room]685-the room]2715-the only two left in the room . ' Come on , now , [Harry]503-harry , [you]503-harry 'll be late for [your]503-harry next lesson , ' said [Slughorn]503-harry affably , snapping the gold clasps shut on [his]503-harry dragonskin briefcase . ' [Sir]985-sir , ' said [Harry]503-harry , reminding [himself]503-harry irresistibly of [Voldemort]192-voldemort , ' 1 wanted to ask [you]985-sir something . ' ' Ask away , then , [[my]0-i dear boy]5222-my dear boy , ask away ... " ' [Sir]985-sir , [1]0-i wondered what [you]985-sir know about ... about [Horcruxes]511-horcruxes ? ' [Slughorn]503-harry froze . [His]503-harry round face seemed to sink in upon itself . [He]503-harry licked [his]503-harry lips and said hoarsely , ' What did [you]985-sir say ? ' ' [I]2719-i asked whether [you]985-sir know anything about Horcruxes , [sir]985-sir . [You]985-sir see - ' ' [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore put [you]985-sir up to this , ' whispered [Slughorn]503-harry . [His]503-harry voice had changed completely . It was not genial any more , but shocked , terrified . [He]503-harry fumbled in [his]503-harry breast pocket and pulled out a handkerchief , mopping [his]503-harry sweating brow . ' [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's shown [you]985-sir that - that memory , ' said [Slughorn]503-harry . ' Well ? Has n't [he]503-harry ? ' ' Yes , ' said [Harry]503-harry , deciding on the spot that it was best not to lie . ' Yes , of course , ' said [Slughorn]503-harry quietly , still dabbing at [his]503-harry white face . ' Of course ... well , if [you]985-sir 've seen that memory , [Harry]503-harry , [you]985-sir 'll know that [I]2719-i do n't know anything - anything -he repeated the word forcefully ' - about Horcruxes . ' [He]2719-i seized [his]2719-i dragonskin briefcase , stuffed [his]2719-i handkerchief back into [his]2719-i pocket and marched to the dungeon door . ' [Sir]985-sir , ' said [Harry]503-harry desperately , ' [I]2719-i just thought there might be a bit more to the memory - ' ' Did [you]985-sir ? ' said [Slughorn]503-harry . Then [you]985-sir were wrong , were n't [you]985-sir ? WRONG ! ' [He]2719-i bellowed the last word and , before [Harry]503-harry could say another word , slammed the dungeon door behind [him]2719-i . Neither [Ron]217-ron nor [Hermione]194-hermione was at all sympathetic when [Harry]503-harry told [them]6072-them of this disastrous interview [Hermione]194-hermione was still seething at the way [Harry]503-harry had triumphed without doing the work properly . [Ron]217-ron was resentful that [Harry]503-harry had n't slipped [him]217-ron a bezoar , too . ' It would 've just looked stupid if [we]6072-them 'd both done it ! ' said [Harry]503-harry irritably . ' Look , [I]2719-i had to try and soften [him]217-ron up so [I]2719-i could ask [him]217-ron about [Voldemort]192-voldemort , did n't [I]2719-i ? Oh , will [you]217-ron gel a grip ! ' [he]2719-i added in exasperation , as [Ron]217-ron winced at the sound of the name . Infuriated by [his]503-harry failure and by [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione 's atti- tudes , [Harry]503-harry brooded for the next few days over what to do next about [Slughorn]503-harry . [He]503-harry decided that , for the time being , [he]503-harry would let [Slughorn]503-harry think that [he]503-harry had forgotten all about [Horcruxes]511-horcruxes ; it was surely best to lull [him]503-harry into a false sense of security before returning to the attack . When [Harry]503-harry did noi question [Slughorn]503-harry again , [the Potions master]6073-the potions master reverted to [his]6073-the potions master usual affectionate treatment of [him]503-harry , and appeared to have put the matter from [his]6073-the potions master mind . [Harry]503-harry awaited an invitation to one of [his]503-harry little evening parties , determined to accept this time , even if [he]503-harry had to reschedule [Quidditch]214-quidditch prac- tice . Unfortunately , however , no such invitation arrived . [Harry]503-harry checked with [Hermione]194-hermione and [Ginny]236-ginny : neither of [them]6074-them had received an invitation and nor , as far as [they]6074-them knew , had [anybody else]1679-anybody else . [Harry]503-harry could not help wondering whether this meant that [Slughorn]503-harry was not quite as forgetful as [he]503-harry appeared , simply determined to give [Harry]503-harry no additional opportunities to question [him]503-harry . Meanwhile , [the Hogwarts library]6076-the hogwarts library had failed [Hermione]194-hermione for the first lime in living memory . [She]2719-i was so shocked , [she]2719-i even forgot that [she]2719-i was annoyed at [Harry]503-harry for [his]503-harry trick with the bezoar , ' [I]2719-i have n't found one single explanation of what Horcruxes do ! "[2719-i] [she]2719-i told [him]2720-you . ' Not a single one ! [I]0-i 've been right through the restricted section and even in the most horrible books , where [they]2721-they tell [you]2722-you how to brew the most gruesome potions -nothing ! All [I]0-i could find was this , in the introduciion to Magick Mostc Evilc — listen — " of the Horcrux , wickedest of magical inventions , [we]6077-we shall not speak nor give direction "[2719-i] ... 1 mean , why mention it , then ? ' [she]2719-i said impatiently , slamming the old book shut ; it let out a ghostly wail . ' Oh , shut up , ' [she]2719-i snapped , stuffing it back into [her]2719-i bag . ' [I]0-i asked whether [you]2720-you know anything about Horcruxes , [sir]985-sir . [You]2720-you see - ' [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore put [you]2720-you up to this , ' whispered [Slughorn]503-harry , [His]503-harry voice had changed completely . It was not genial any more , but shocked , terrified . [He]503-harry fumbled in [his]503-harry breast pocket and pulled out a handkerchief , mopping [his]503-harry sweating brow . ' [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's shown [you]2720-you that — that memory , ' said [Slughorn]503-harry . ' Well ? Has n't [he]146-dumbledore ? ' ' Yes , ' said [Harry]503-harry , deciding on the spot that it was best not to lie . ' Yes , of course , ' said [Slughorn]503-harry quietly , still dabbing at [his]503-harry white face . ' Of course ... well , if [you]2720-you 've seen that memory , [Harry]503-harry , [you]2720-you 'll know that [I]0-i do n't know anything - anything -he repeated the word forcefully ' - about [Horcruxes]511-horcruxes . ' [He]503-harry seized [his]503-harry dragonskin briefcase , stuffed [his]503-harry handkerchief back into [his]503-harry pocket and marched to the dungeon door . ' [Sir]985-sir , ' said [Harry]503-harry desperately , ' 1 just thought there might be a ' Did [you]985-sir ? ' said [Slughorn]503-harry . Then [you]2720-you were wrong , were n't [you]2720-you ? WRONG ! ' [He]503-harry bellowed the last word and , before [Harry]503-harry could say another word , slammed the dungeon door behind [him]503-harry . Neither [Ron]217-ron nor [Hermione]194-hermione was at all sympathetic when [Harry]503-harry told [them]2725-them of this disastrous interview . [Hermione]194-hermione was still seething at the way [Harry]503-harry had triumphed without doing the work properly . [Ron]217-ron was resentful that [Harry]503-harry had n't slipped [him]217-ron a bezoar , too . ' It would 've just looked stupid if [we]2726-we 'd both done it ! ' said [Harry]503-harry irritably . ' Look , [1]4515-1 had to try and soften [him]217-ron up so [1]4515-1 could ask [him]217-ron about [Voldemort]192-voldemort , did n't [I]0-i ? Oh , will [you]217-ron get a grip ! ' [he]503-harry added in exasperation , as [Ron]217-ron winced at the sound of Infuriated by [his]503-harry failure and by [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione 's atti- tudes , [Harry]503-harry brooded for the next few days over what to do next about [Slughorn]503-harry . [He]503-harry decided that , for the time being , [he]503-harry would let [Slughorn]503-harry think that [he]503-harry had forgotten all about [Horcruxes]511-horcruxes ; it was surely best to lull [him]503-harry into a false sense of security before returning to the attack . When [Harry]503-harry did not question [Slughorn]503-harry again , [the Potions master]6073-the potions master reverted to [his]6073-the potions master usual affectionate treatment of [him]503-harry , and appeared to have put the matter from [his]6073-the potions master mind . [Harry]503-harry awaited an invitation to one of [his]503-harry little evening parties , determined to accept this time , even if [he]503-harry had to reschedule Quidditch prac - tice . Unfortunately , however , no such invitation arrived . [Harry]503-harry checked with [Hermione]194-hermione and [Ginny]236-ginny : [neither of [them]2730-them]2286-neither of them had received an invitation and nor , as far as [they]2730-them knew , had [anybody else]1679-anybody else . [Harry]503-harry could not help wondering whether this meant that [Slughorn]503-harry was not quite as forgetful as [he]503-harry appeared , simply determined to give [Harry]503-harry no additional opportunities to question [him]503-harry . Meanwhile , [the Hogwarts library]6076-the hogwarts library had failed [Hermione]194-hermione for the first time in living memory . [She]194-hermione was so shocked , [she]194-hermione even forgot that [she]194-hermione was annoyed at [Harry]503-harry for [his]503-harry trick with the bezoar . ' [I]0-i have n't found one single explanation of what Horcruxes do ! ' [she]194-hermione told [him]503-harry . ' Not a single one ! [I]0-i 've been right through [the restricted section]2733-the restricted section and even in the most horrible books , where [they]2734-they tell [you]2735-you how to brew the most gruesome potions -nothing ! All [I]0-i could find was this , in the introduction to [Magick Moste Evile]109-magick moste evile - listen - " of the Horcrux , wickedest of magical inventions , [we]6078-we shall not speak nor give direction "[194-hermione] ... [I]0-i mean , why mention it , then ? ' [she]194-hermione said impatiently , slamming the old book shut ; it let out a ghostly wail . ' Oh , shut up , ' [she]194-hermione snapped , stuffing it back into [her]194-hermione bag . The snow melted around [the school]1525-the school as [February]512-february arrived , to be replaced by cold , dreary wetness . Purplish - grey clouds hung low over [the castle]4540-the castle and a constant fall of chilly rain made the lawns slippery and muddy . The upshot of this was that the sixth - years ' first Apparition lesson , which was sched - uled for a Saturday morning so that no normal lessons would be missed , took place in [the Great Hall]1520-the great hall instead of in [the grounds]1899-the grounds . When [Harry]503-harry and [Hermione]194-hermione arrived in [the Hall]4616-the hall ( [Ron]217-ron had come down with [Lavender]343-lavender ) [they]2741-they found that the tables had disappeared . Rain lashed against the high windows and the enchanted ceiling swirled darkly above [them]2741-they as [they]2741-they assembled in front of [Professors McGonagall]513-professors mcgonagall , [Snape]221-snape , [Flitwick]383-professor flitwick and [Sprout]344-professor sprout - [the Heads of House]2742-the heads of house - and [a small wizard whom [Harry]503-harry took to be [the Apparition Instructor from [the Ministry]4400-the ministry]2744-the apparition instructor from the ministry]2743-a small wizard whom harry took to be the apparition instructor from the ministry . [He]2743-a small wizard whom harry took to be the apparition instructor from the ministry was oddly colourless , with transparent eyelashes , wispy hair and an insubstantial air , as though a single gust of wind might blow [him]2743-a small wizard whom harry took to be the apparition instructor from the ministry away . [Harry]503-harry wondered whether constant dis - appearances and reappearances had somehow diminished [his]2743-a small wizard whom harry took to be the apparition instructor from the ministry substance , or whether this frail build was ideal for anyone wishing to vanish . ' Good morning , ' said [the Ministry wizard]2746-the ministry wizard , when [all the stu - dents]2747-all the stu - dents had arrived and [the Heads of House]2742-the heads of house had called for quiet . ' [My]0-i name is [Wilkie Twycross]514-twycross and [I]0-i shall be [[your]2749-you Ministry - Apparition Instructor]2750-your ministry - apparition instructor for the next twelve weeks . 1 hope to be able to prepare [you]2749-you for [your]2749-you Apparition test in this time - ' ' [Malfoy]170-malfoy , be quiet and pay attention ! ' barked [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall . [Everybody]4716-everybody looked round . [Malfoy]170-malfoy had flushed a dull pink ; [he]170-malfoy looked furious as [he]170-malfoy stepped away from [Crabbe]313-crabbe , with whom [he]170-malfoy appeared to have been having a whispered argu - ment . [Harry]503-harry glanced quickly at [Snape]221-snape , who also looked annoyed , though [Harry]503-harry strongly suspected that this was less because of [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's rudeness than the fact that [McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall had reprimanded one of [[his]170-malfoy house]4607-his house . ' - by which time , many of [you]2749-you may be ready to take [your]2749-you test , ' [Twycross]514-twycross continued , as though there had been no interruption . ' As [you]2749-you may know , it is usually impossible to Apparate or Disapparate within [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts . [The Headmaster]1054-the headmaster has lifted this enchantment , purely within [the Great Hall]1520-the great hall , for one hour , so as to enable [you]2749-you to practise . May [I]0-i emphasise that [you]2749-you will not be able to Apparate outside the walls of [this Hall]5156-this hall , and that [you]2749-you would be unwise to try . ' [I]0-i would like each of [you]2749-you to place [yourselves]2749-you now so that [you]2749-you have a clear five feet of space in front of [you]2749-you . ' There was a great scrambiing and jostling as [people separ - ated]2756-people separ - ated , banged into [each other]4377-each other , and ordered [others]4568-others out of [their]2756-people separ - ated space . [The Heads of [House]515-house]2742-the heads of house moved among [the students]1583-the students , marshalling [them]1583-the students into position and breaking up arguments . ' [Harry]503-harry , where are [you]503-harry going ? 1 demanded [Hermione]194-hermione . But [Harry]503-harry did not answer ; [he]503-harry was moving quickly through [the crowd]4912-the crowd , past the place where [Professor Flitwick]383-professor flitwick was making squeaky attempts to position a few Ravenclaws , all of whom wanted to be near the front , past [Professor Sprout]344-professor sprout , who was chivvying [the Hufflepuffs]390-hufflepuffs into line , until , by dodging around [Ernie Macmillan]353-ernie , [he]503-harry managed to position [himself]503-harry right at the back of [the crowd]4912-the crowd , directly behind [Malfoy]170-malfoy , who was taking advantage of the general upheaval to continue [his]170-malfoy argument with [Crabbe]313-crabbe , standing five feet away and looking mutinous . ' [I]0-i do n't know how much longer , all right ? ' [Malfoy]170-malfoy shot at [him]170-malfoy , oblivious to [Harry]503-harry standing right behind [him]170-malfoy . ' It 's taking longer than [I]0-i thought it would . ' [Crabbe]313-crabbe opened [his]313-crabbe mouth , but [Malfoy]170-malfoy appeared to second - guess what [he]170-malfoy was going to say . ' Look , it 's none of [your]313-crabbe business what [I]0-i 'm doing , [Crabbe]313-crabbe , [you]313-crabbe and [Goyle]312-goyle just do as [you]313-crabbe 're told and keep a lookout ! ' ' ! tell [[my]0-i friends]2763-my friends what [I]0-i 'm up to , if [I]0-i want [them]2763-my friends to keep a lookout for [me]0-i , " [Harry]503-harry said , just loud enough for [Malfoy]170-malfoy to hear [him]0-i . [Malfoy]170-malfoy spun round on the spot , [his]170-malfoy hand flying to [his]170-malfoy wand , but at thai precise moment [the four Heads of House]6079-the four heads of house shouted , ' Quiet ! ' and silence fell again . [Malfoy]170-malfoy turned slowly to face the front . Thank [you]313-crabbe , ' said [Twycross]514-twycross . : Now then ... ' [He]514-twycross waved [his]514-twycross wand . Old - fashioned wooden hoops instantly appeared on the floor in from of [every student]6080-every student . The important things to remember when Apparating are [the three Ds]6081-the three ds ! ' said [Twycross]514-twycross . ' Destination , Determination , Deliberation ! ' Step one : fix [your]313-crabbe mind firmly upon the desired destin - ation , ' said [Twycross]514-twycross . ' In this case , the interior of [your]313-crabbe hoop . Kindly concentrate upon that destination now . ' [Everybody]4716-everybody looked around furtively , to check that [everyone else]1936-everyone else was staring into [their]1936-everyone else hoop , then hastily did as [they]1936-everyone else were told . [Harry]503-harry gazed at the circular patch of dusty floor enclosed by [his]503-harry hoop and tried hard to think of nothing else . This proved impossible , as [he]503-harry could n't stop puzzling over what [Malfoy]170-malfoy was doing that needed lookouts . "[514-twycross] Step two , ' said [Twycross]514-twycross , ' focus [your]2764-your determination to occupy the visualised space ! Let [your]2764-your yearning to enter it flood from [your]2764-your mind to every particle of [your]2764-your body ! ' [Harry]503-harry glanced around surreptitiously . A little way to [his]503-harry left , [Ernie Macmillan]353-ernie was contemplating [his]353-ernie hoop so hard that [his]353-ernie face had turned pink ; it looked as though [he]353-ernie was straining to lay a Quaffle - sized egg . [Harry]503-harry bit back a laugh and hastily returned [his]503-harry gaze to [his]503-harry own hoop . ' Step three , ' called [Twycross]514-twycross , ' and only when 1 give the com - mand ... lum on the spot , feeiing [your]2764-your way into nothingness , moving with deliberation 1 . On [my]0-i command , now ... one- 1 [Harry]503-harry glanced around again ; [lots of [people]681-people]2765-lots of people were looking positively alarmed at being asked to Apparate so quickly . [Harry]503-harry tried to fix [his]503-harry thoughts on [his]503-harry hoop again ; [he]503-harry had already forgotten what [the three Ds]6081-the three ds stood for . : - THREE ! ' [Harry]503-harry spun on the spot , lost [his]503-harry balance and nearly fell over . [He]503-harry was not [the only one]5464-the only one . [The whole Hall]1581-the whole hall was suddenly full of [staggering people]2770-staggering people ; [Neville]174-neville was flat on [his]174-neville back ; [Ernie Macmillan]353-ernie , on the other hand , had done a kind of pirouet - ting leap into [his]353-ernie hoop and looked momentarily thrilled , until [he]353-ernie caught sight of [Dean Thomas]261-dean roaring with laughter at [him]353-ernie . ' Never mind , never mind , ' said [Twycross]514-twycross dryly , who did not seem to have expected anything better . ' Adjust [your]2771-your hoops , please , and back to [your]2771-your original positions ... ' [The second atlem.pt]2772-the second atlem.pt was no better than the first . The third was just as bad . Not until the fourth did anything exciting happen . There was a horrible screech of pain and [everybody]4716-everybody looked around , terrified , to see [Susan Bones of Hufflepuff]311-hufflepuff wobbling in [her]311-hufflepuff hoop with [her]311-hufflepuff left leg still standing five feet away where [she]311-hufflepuff had started . [The Heads of House]2742-the heads of house converged on [her]311-hufflepuff ; there was a great bang and a puff of purple smoke , which cleared to reveal [Susan]311-hufflepuff sobbing , reunited with [her]311-hufflepuff leg but looking horrified . ' Sph'nching , or the separation of random body parts , ' said [Wilkie Twycross]514-twycross dispassionately , ' occurs when the mind is insufficiently determined . [You]2771-your must concentrate continually upon [your]2771-your destination , and move , without hasie , but with deliberation ... thus . ' [Twycross]514-twycross stepped forwards , turned gracefully on the spot with [his]514-twycross arms outstretched and vanished in a swirl of robes , reappearing at the back of [the Hall]4616-the hall . ' Remember the three Ds , ' [he]514-twycross said , ' and try again ... one -two - three - ' But an hour later , [Susan]311-hufflepuff 's Splinching was still [ihe]2776-ihe most interesting thing that had happened . [Twycross]514-twycross did not seem discouraged . Fastening [his]514-twycross cloak at [his]514-twycross neck , [he]514-twycross merely said , ' Until next Saturday , [everybody]4716-everybody , and do not forget : Destin - ation . Determination . Deliberation . ' With that , [he]514-twycross waved [his]514-twycross wand , Vanishing the hoops , and walked out of [the Hall]4616-the hall accompanied by [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall . Talk broke out at once as [people]681-people began moving towards [the Entrance Hall]110-the entrance hall . ' How did [you]514-twycross do ? ' asked [Ron]217-ron , hurrying towards [Harry]503-harry . ' 1 think 1 felt something the last time [I]0-i tried - a kind of tingling in [my]0-i feet . ' ' 1 expect [your]514-twycross trainers are too small , Won - Won , ' said a voice behind [them]2780-they , and [Hermione]194-hermione stalked past , smirking . ' 1 did n't feel anything , ' said [Harry]503-harry , ignoring this inter - ruption . " But 1 do n't care about that now- ' ' What d'you mean , [you]514-twycross do n't care ... do n't [you]514-twycross want to leam to Apparate ? ' said [Ron]217-ron incredulously . ' [I]503-harry 'm not fussed , really . [I]503-harry prefer flying , ' said [Harry]503-harry , glancing over [his]503-harry shoulder to see where [Malfoy]170-malfoy was , and speeding up as [they]2780-they came into [the Entrance Hall]5133-the entrance hall . ' Look , hurry up , will [you]514-twycross , there 's something [I]503-harry want to do ... ' Perplexed , [Ron]217-ron followed [Harry]503-harry back to [Gryffindor Tower]78-gryffindor tower at a run . [They]2780-they were temporarily detained by [Peeves]460-peeves , who had jammed a door on [the fourth floor]6085-the fourth floor shut and was refusing to let [anyone]660-anyone pass until [they]2780-they set fire to [their]2780-they own pants , but [Harry]503-harry and [Ron]217-ron simply turned back and took one of [their]2780-they trusted short cuts . Within five minutes , [they]2780-they were climbing through the portrait hole . ' Are [you]503-harry going to tell [me]503-harry what [we]2780-they 're doing , then ? ' asked [Ron]217-ron , panting slightly . ' Up here , ' said [Harry]503-harry , and [he]503-harry crossed [the common room]1602-the common room and led the way through the door to [[the boys]1179-the boys ' staircase]6089-the boys ' staircase . [[Their]2780-they dormitory]6090-their dormitory was , as [Ham]516-ham ' had hoped , empty . [He]503-harry flung open [his]503-harry trunk and began to rummage in it , while [Ron]217-ron watched impatiently . ' [Harry]503-harry ... ' ' [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's using [Crabbe]313-crabbe and [Goyle]312-goyle as lookouts . [He]170-malfoy was argu - ing with [Crabbe]313-crabbe just now . 1 want to know ... aha . ' [He]503-harry had found it , a folded square of apparently blank parchment , which [he]503-harry now smoothed out and tapped with [ [he]503-harry tip of [his]503-harry wand . ' [I]503-harry solemn ! ) ' swear that [I]503-harry am up to no good ... or [Malfoy]170-malfoy is , At once , [the Marauder]6091-the marauder 's Map appeared on the parchment 's surface . Here was a detailed plan of [every one of [the castle]4540-the castle 's floors]6092-every one of the castle 's floors and , moving around [it]4540-the castle , the tiny , labelled black dots that signified each of [[the castle]4540-the castle 's occupants]6095-the castle 's occupants . ' Help [me]503-harry find [Malfoy]170-malfoy , ' said [Harry]503-harry urgently . [He]503-harry laid the map upon [his]503-harry bed and [he]503-harry and [Ron]217-ron leaned over it , searching . ' There ! ' said [Ron]217-ron , after a minute or so . ' [He]2781-him 's in [the Slytherin common room]6096-the slytherin common room , look ... with [Parkinson]314-pansy and [Zabini]301-zabini and [Crabbe]313-crabbe and [Goyle]312-goyle ... "[503-harry] [Harry]503-harry looked down at the map , disappointed , but rallied almost at once . ' Well , [I]0-i 'm keeping an eye on [him]2781-him from now on , ' [he]0-i said firmly . ' And the moment [1]0-i see [him]2781-him lurking somewhere with [Crabbe]313-crabbe and [Goyle]312-goyle keeping watch outside , it 'll be on with the old Invisibility Cloak and off to find out what he's- ' [He]0-i broke off as [Neville]174-neville entered [the dormitory]2782-the dormitory , bringing with [him]174-neville a strong smell of singed material , and began rum - maging in [his]174-neville trunk for a fresh pair of pants . Despite [his]503-harry determination 10 catch [Malfoy]170-malfoy out , [Harry]503-harry had no luck at all over the next couple of weeks . Although [he]503-harry consulted the map as often as [he]503-harry could , sometimes making unnecessary visits to [the bathroom]5501-the bathroom between lessons to search it , [he]503-harry did not once see [Malfoy]170-malfoy anywhere suspicious . Admit - tedly , [he]503-harry spotted [Crabbe]313-crabbe and [Goyle]312-goyle moving around [the castle]4540-the castle on [their]2785-their own more often than usual , sometimes remaining stationary in [deserted corridors]1729-deserted corridors , but at these times [Malfoy]170-malfoy was not only nowhere near [them]2785-their , but impossible to locate on the map at all . This was most mysterious . [Harry]503-harry toyed with the possibility that [Malfoy]170-malfoy was actually leaving [the school grounds]2787-the school grounds , but could not see how [he]170-malfoy could be doing it , given the very high leve ! of security now operating within [the castle]4540-the castle . [He]503-harry could only suppose [ihat]2789-ihat [he]503-harry was missing [Malfoy]170-malfoy amongst the hundreds of tiny black dots upon the map . As for the fact that [Malfoy]170-malfoy , [Crabbe]313-crabbe and [Goyle]312-goyle appeared to be going [their]2785-their dif - ferent ways when [they]2785-their were usually inseparable , these things happened as [people]681-people got older - [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione , [Harry]503-harry reflected sadly , were living proof . February moved towards March with no change in the weather except that it became windy as well as wet . To general indignation , a sign went up on all common - room noticeboards that the next trip into [Hogsmeade]61-hogsmeade had been cancelled . [Ron]217-ron was furious . ' It was on [my]0-i birthday ! ' [he]217-ron said , ' [i]0-i was looking forward to that ! ' ' Not a big surprise , though , is it ? ' said [Harry]503-harry . ' Not after what happened to [Katie]153-katie . ' [She]153-katie had still not returned from [Si Mungo]517-si mungo 's . What was more , further disappearances had been reported in the Daily Prophet , including [several relatives of students at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts]2791-several relatives of students at hogwarts . ' But now all [I]0-i 've got to look forward to is stupid Appar - ition ! ' said [Ron]217-ron grumpily . ' Big birthday treat ... ' Three lessons on , Apparition was proving as difficult as ever , though [a few more people]2792-a few more people had managed to Splinch [themselves]2792-a few more people . Frustration was running high and there was a certain amount of ill - feeling towards [Wilkie Twycross]514-twycross and [his]514-twycross three Ds , which had inspired a number of nicknames for [him]514-twycross , the politest of which were Dog - breath and Dung - head . ' Happy birthday , [Ron]217-ron , ' said [Harry]503-harry , when [they]2793-they were woken on the first of March by [Seamus]330-seamus and [Dean]261-dean leaving noisily for breakfast . ' Have a present . ' [He]503-harry threw the package across on to [Ron]217-ron 's bed , where it joined a small pile of them that must , [Harry]503-harry assumed , have been delivered by [house - elves]2399-house - elves in the night . ' Cheers , ' said [Ron]217-ron drowsily , and as [he]217-ron ripped off the paper [Harry]503-harry got out of bed , opened [his]503-harry own crunk and began rum - maging in it for [the Marauder]518-the marauder 's Map , which [he]217-ron hid after every use . [He]217-ron turfed out half the contents of [his]217-ron trunk before [he]217-ron found it hiding beneath the rolled - up socks in which [he]217-ron was still keeping [his]217-ron bottle of lucky potion , [Felix Felicis]358-hermione . ' Right , ' [he]217-ron murmured , taking it back to bed with [him]217-ron , tap - ping it quietly and murmuring , ' [I]0-i solemnly swear that [I]0-i am up to no good , ' so that [Neville]174-neville , who was passing the foot of [his]217-ron bed at the time , would not hear . ' [Nice one]2795-nice one , [Harry]503-harry ! ' said [Ron]217-ron enthusiastically , waving the new pair of [Quidditch Keeper]519-quidditch 's gloves [Harry]503-harry had given [him]217-ron . ' No problem , ' said [Harry]503-harry absent - mindedly , as [he]503-harry searched [the Slytherin dormitory]2796-the slytherin dormitory closely for [Malfoy]170-malfoy . ' Hey ... [I]0-i do n't think [he]170-malfoy 's in [[his]170-malfoy bed]2797-his bed ... ' [Ron]217-ron did not answer ; [he]217-ron was too busy unwrapping presents , every now and then letting out an exclamation of pleasure . ' Seriously good haul this year ! ' [he]217-ron announced , holding up a heavy gold watch with odd symbols around the edge and tiny moving stars instead of hands . ' See what [Mum]235-mum and [Dad]242-dad got [me]0-i ? [Blimey]246-blimey , [I]0-i think [I]0-i 'll come of age next year too ... ' Cool , ' muttered [Harry]503-harry , sparing the watch a glance before peering more closely at the map . Where was [Malfoy]170-malfoy ? [He]170-malfoy did not seem to be at the Slytherin table in [the Great Hall]1520-the great hall , eating breakfast ... [he]170-malfoy was nowhere near [Snape]221-snape , who was sitting in [[his]170-malfoy study]5217-his study ... [he]170-malfoy was n't in any of [the bathrooms]2800-the bathrooms or in [the hospital wing]5397-the hospital wing ... ' Want one ? 1 said [Ron]217-ron thickly , holding out a box of Chocolate Cauldrons . ' No thanks , ' said [Harry]503-harry , looking up . ' [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's gone again ! ' ' Ca n't have done , ' said [Ron]217-ron , stuffing a second Cauldron into [his]217-ron mouth as [he]217-ron slid out of bed to get dressed . ' Come on . if [you]2802-you do n't hurry up [you]2802-you 'll have to Apparate on an empty - stomach ... might make it easier , 1 suppose ... " [Ron]217-ron looked thoughtfully ai the box of Chocolate Cauldrons , then shrugged and helped [himself]217-ron to a third . [Harry]503-harry tapped the map with [his]503-harry wand , muttered , ' Mischief managed , ' though it had n't been , and got dressed , thinking hard . There had to be an explanation for [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's periodic disappearances , but [he]217-ron simply could not think what it could be . The best way of finding out would be to tail [him]170-malfoy , bur even with the Invisibility Cloak this was an impractical idea ; [he]217-ron had lessons , Quidditch practice , homework and Apparition ; [he]217-ron could not follow [Malfoy]170-malfoy around [school]4622-school all day wilhout [his]170-malfoy absence being remarked upon , ' Ready ? ' [he]217-ron said to [Ron]217-ron . [He]217-ron was halfway to [the dormitory]2782-the dormitory door when [he]217-ron realised that [Ron]217-ron had not moved , but was leaning on [his]217-ron bedpost , staring out of the rain - washed window with a strangely un - focused look on [his]217-ron face . ' [Ron]217-ron ? Breakfast . ' ' [I]221-snape 'm not hungry , ' [Harry]503-harry stared ai [him]217-ron . ' [I]221-snape thought [you]217-ron just said - ? ' -Well , all right , [I]221-snape 'll come down with [you]503-harry , ' sighed [Ron]217-ron , ' but [I]221-snape do n't want to eat . ' [Harry]503-harry scrutinised [him]217-ron suspiciously . ' [You]217-ron 've just eaten half a box of Chocolate Cauldrons , have n't [you]217-ron ? ' ' It 's not that , ' [Ron]217-ron sighed again . ' [You]503-harry ... [you]503-harry would n't understand . ' ' Fair enough , ' said [Harry]503-harry , albeit puzzled , as [he]503-harry turned to open the door . ' [Harry]503-harry ! ' said [Ron]217-ron suddenly . ' What ? ' ' [Harry]503-harry , [I]221-snape ca n't stand it ! ' ' [You]217-ron ca n't stand what ? ' asked [Harry]503-harry , now starling to feel definitely alarmed . [Ron]217-ron was rather pale and looked as though [he]217-ron was about to be sick . ' [I]221-snape ca n't stop thinking about [her]6099-her ! ' said [Ron]217-ron hoarsely . [Harry]503-harry gaped at [him]217-ron . [He]503-harry had not expected this and was not sure [he]503-harry wanted to hear it . [Friends]5009-friends [they]5009-friends might be , but if [Ron]217-ron started calling [Lavender]343-lavender ' Lav - Lav ' , [he]217-ron would have to pui [his]217-ron foot down . ' Why does that stop [you]217-ron having breakfast ? ' [Harry]503-harry asked , trying to inject a note of common sense into the proceedings . ' [I]221-snape do n't think [she]6099-her knows [I]221-snape exist , ' said [Ron]217-ron with a desperate gesture . ' [She]6099-her definitely knows [you]217-ron exist , ' said [Harry]503-harry , bewildered . ' [She]6099-her keeps snogging [you]217-ron , does n't [she]6099-her ? ' [Ron]217-ron blinked . ' Who are [you]217-ron talking about ? ' Who are [you]217-ron talking about ? ' said [Harry]503-harry , with an increasing sense that all reason had dropped out of the conversation . ' [Romilda Vane]293-romilda vane , ' said [Ron]217-ron softly , and [his]217-ron whole face seemed to illuminate as [he]217-ron said it , as though hit by a ray of purest sunlight . [They]6101-they stared at [each other]4377-each other for almost a whole minute , before [Harry]503-harry said , ' This is a joke , right ? [You]217-ron 're joking . ' T think ... [Harry]503-harry , 1 ihink [I]221-snape love [her]6099-her , ' said [Ron]217-ron in a strangled voice . ' OK , ' said [Harry]503-harry , walking up to [Ron]217-ron 10 get a better look at the glazed eyes and the pallid complexion , ' OK ... say that again with a straight face . ' ' [I]221-snape love [her]6099-her , ' repeated [Ron]217-ron breathlessly . ' Have [you]217-ron seen [her]6099-her hair , it 's all black and shiny and silky ... and [her]6099-her eyes ? [Her]6099-her big dark eyes ? And [her]6099-her - ' ' This is really funny and everything , ' said [Harry]503-harry impatiently , ' but joke 's over , all right ? Drop it . ' [He]217-ron turned to leave ; [he]217-ron had got two steps towards the door when a crashing blow hit [him]217-ron on the right ear . Staggering , [he]217-ron looked round . [Ron]217-ron 's fist was drawn right back , [his]217-ron face was contorted with rage ; [he]217-ron was about to strike again . [Harry]503-harry reacted instinctively ; [his]503-harry wand was out of [his]503-harry pocket and the incantation sprang to mind without conscious thought : Le\icorpus ! [Ron]217-ron yelled as [his]217-ron heel was wrenched upwards once more ; [he]217-ron dangled helplessly , upside - down , [his]217-ron robes hanging off [him]217-ron . ' What was that for ? ' [Harry]503-harry bellowed . ' [You]503-harry insulted [her]6099-her , [Harry]503-harry ! [You]503-harry said it was a joke ! ' shouted [Ron]217-ron , who was slowly turning purple in the face as all the blood rushed to [his]217-ron head . ' This is insane ! ' said [Harry]503-harry . ' What 's got into - ? ' And then [he]503-harry saw the box lying open on [Ron]217-ron 's bed and the truth hit [him]503-harry with the force of [a stampeding troll]6103-a stampeding troll . ' Where did [you]217-ron get those Chocolate Cauldrons ? ' ' They were a birthday present ! ' shouted [Ron]217-ron , revolving slowly in midair as [he]217-ron struggled to get free . ' [1]217-ron offered [you]503-harry one , did n't [1]217-ron ? ' ' [You]217-ron just picked them up off the floor , did n't [you]217-ron ? ' ' [They]6104-they 'd fallen off [my]221-snape bed , all right ? Let [me]221-snape go ! ' ' [They]6104-they did n't fall off [your]503-harry bed , [you]503-harry prat , do n't [you]503-harry under - stand ? [They]6104-they were [mine]221-snape , 1 chucked them out of [my]221-snape trunk when 1 was looking for the map . [They]6104-they 're the Chocolate Cauldrons [Romilda]293-romilda vane gave [me]221-snape before Christmas and [they]6104-they 're all spiked with love potion ! ' But only one word of this seemed to have registered with [Ron]217-ron . ' [Romilda]293-romilda vane ? ' [he]217-ron repeated . ' Did [you]217-ron say [Romilda]293-romilda vane ? [Harry]503-harry - do [you]217-ron know [her]6105-her ? Can [you]217-ron introduce [me]221-snape ? ' [Harry]503-harry stared at the dangling [Ron]217-ron , whose face now looked tremendously hopeful , and fought a strong desire to laugh . [A part of [him]503-harry]6106-a part of him - [the part closest to [his]217-ron throbbing right ear]6107-the part closest to his throbbing right ear - was quite keen on the idea of letting [Ron]217-ron down and watching [him]217-ron run amok until the effects of the potion wore off ... but on the other hand , [they]6108-they were supposed to be [friends]5009-friends , [Ron]217-ron had not been [himself]217-ron when [he]217-ron had attacked , and [Harry-]520-harry- thought that [he]520-harry- would deserve another punching if [he]520-harry- permitted [Ron]217-ron to declare undying love for [Romilda Vane]293-romilda vane . ' Yeah , [I]221-snape 'll introduce [you]217-ron , ' said [Harry]503-harry , thinking fast . ' [I]221-snape 'm going to let [you]217-ron down now , OK ? ' [He]221-snape sent [Ron]217-ron crashing back to the floor ( [his]217-ron ear did hurt quite a lot ) , but [Ron]217-ron simply bounded to [his]217-ron feet again , grinning . ' [She]6110-she 'll be in [[Slughorn]503-harry 's office]5766-slughorn 's office , 1 said [Harry]503-harry confidently , leading the way to the door . ' Why will [she]6110-she be in [there]4506-there ? ' asked [Ron]217-ron anxiously , hurrying to keep up . ' Oh , [she]6110-she has extra Potions lessons with [him]503-harry , ' said [Harry]503-harry , inventing wildly . ' Maybe 1 could ask if 1 can have them with [her]6110-she ? ' said [Ron]217-ron eagerly . ' Great idea , ' said [Harry]503-harry . [Lavender]343-lavender was waiting beside [the portrait hole]6113-the portrait hole , a complication [Harry]503-harry had not foreseen . ' [You]503-harry 're lace , [Won - Won]507-won - won ! ' [she]343-lavender pouted . ' [I]221-snape 've got [you]503-harry a birth - day- ' ' Leave [me]221-snape alone , ' said [Ron]217-ron impatiently , ' [Harry]503-harry 's going to introduce [me]221-snape to [Romilda Vane]293-romilda vane . ' And without another word to [her]343-lavender , [he]503-harry pushed [his]503-harry way oui of the portrait hole . [Harry]503-harry tried to make an apologetic face to [Lavender]343-lavender , but it might have turned out simply amused , because [she]343-lavender looked more offended than ever as [the Fat Lady]2094-the fat lady swung shut behind [them]6115-them . [Harry]503-harry had been slightly worried that [Slughorn]503-harry might be at breakfast , but [he]503-harry answered [[his]503-harry office]652-his office door at the first knock , wearing a green velvet dressing - gown and matching nightcap and looking rather bleary - eyed . ' [Harry]503-harry , ' [he]503-harry mumbled . ' This is very early for a call ... [I]221-snape generally sleep late on a Saturday ... "[221-snape] ' [Professor]221-snape , [I]0-i 'm really sorry to disturb [you]221-snape , ' said [Harry]503-harry as quietly as possible , while [Ron]217-ron stood on tiptoe , attempting to see past [Slughorn]503-harry into [[his]217-ron room]5622-his room , ' but [[my]0-i friend]5656-my friend [Ron]217-ron 's swallowed a love potion by mistake . [You]0-i could n't make [him]217-ron an antidote , could [you]0-i ? [I]0-i 'd take [him]217-ron to [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey , but [we]2805-we 're not supposed to have anything from [Weasleys]219-the weasleys ' Wizard Wheezes and , [you]0-i know ... awkward questions ... ' Td have thought [you]0-i could have whipped [him]217-ron up a remedy , [Harry]503-harry , [an expert potioneer like [you]503-harry]2806-an expert potioneer like you ? ' asked [Slughorn]503-harry . ' Er , ' said [Harry]503-harry , somewhat distracted by the fact that [Ron]217-ron was now elbowing [him]503-harry in the ribs in an attempt to force [his]217-ron way into [the room]685-the room , ' well , [I]0-i 've never mixed an antidote for a love potion , [sir]985-sir , and by the time [I]0-i get it right [Ron]217-ron might 've done something serious - ' Helpfully , [Ron]217-ron chose this moment to moan , ' [I]0-i ca n't see [her]2809-her . [Harry]503-harry - is [he]217-ron hiding [her]2809-her ? ' ' Was this potion within date ? ' asked [Slughorn]503-harry , now eyeing [Ron]217-ron with professional interest . ' [They]2810-they can strengthen , [you]503-harry know , the longer [they]2810-they 're kept . ' That would explain a lot , ' panted [Harry]503-harry , now positively wrestling with [Ron]217-ron to keep [him]217-ron from knocking [Slughorn]503-harry over . ' It 's [his]217-ron birthday , [Professor]221-snape , ' [he]503-harry added imploringly . ' Oh , all right , come in , then , come in , ' said [Slughorn]503-harry , relenting . ' [I]0-i 've got the necessary here in [my]0-i bag , it 's not a difficult antidote ... ' [Ron]217-ron burst through the door into [[Slughorn]503-harry 's overheated , crowded study]2811-slughorn 's overheated , crowded study , tripped over a tasselled footstool , regained [his]217-ron balance by seizing [Harry]503-harry around the neck and muttered , ' [She]2812-she did n't see that , did [she]2812-she ? ' ' [She]2812-she 's not [here]4439-here yet , ' said [Harry]503-harry , watching [Slughorn]503-harry opening [his]503-harry potion kit and adding a few pinches of this and that to a small crystal bottle . That 's good , ' said [Ron]217-ron fervently . ' How do [I]0-i look ? ' ' Very handsome , ' said [Slughorn]503-harry smoothly , handing [Ron]217-ron a glass of clear liquid . ' Now drink that up , it 's a tonic for the nerves , keep [you]217-ron calm when [she]2812-she arrives , [you]217-ron know , ' ' Brilliant , ' said [Ron]217-ron eagerly , and [he]217-ron gulped the antidote down noisily . [Harry]503-harry and [Slughorn]503-harry watched [him]217-ron . For a moment , [Ron]217-ron beamed at [them]2814-them . Then , very slowly , [his]217-ron grin sagged and van - ished , to be replaced by an expression of utmost horror . ' Back to normal , then ? ' said [Harry]503-harry , grinning . [Slughorn]503-harry chuckled . Thanks a lot , [Professor]221-snape . ' ' Do n't mention it , [m'boy]5032-m'boy , do n't mention it , ' said [Slughorn]503-harry , as [Ron]217-ron collapsed into a nearby armchair , looking devastated . ' Pick - [me]0-i - up , that 's what [he]217-ron needs , ' [Slughorn]503-harry continued , now - bustling over to a table loaded with drinks . ' [I]0-i 've got Butter - beer , [I]0-i 've got wine , [I]0-i 've got one last bottle of this oak - matured mead ... hmm ... meant to give that to [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore for Christmas ... ah well ... ' [he]0-i shrugged ' ... [he]217-ron ca n't miss what [he]217-ron 's never had ! Why do n't [we]2816-we open it now and celebrate [Mr Weasley]220-mr. weasley 's birthday ? Nothing like a fine spirit to chase away the pangs of disappointed love ... ' [He]0-i chortled again and [Harry]503-harry joined in . This was the firsi time [he]503-harry had found [himself]503-harry almost alone with [Slughorn]503-harry since [his]503-harry disastrous first attempt to extract the true memory from [him]503-harry . Perhaps , if [he]503-harry could just keep [Slughorn]503-harry in a good mood ... perhaps if [they]2816-we got through enough of the oak - matured mead ... There [you]503-harry are , then , ' said [Slughorn]503-harry , handing [Harry]503-harry and [Ron]217-ron a glass of mead each , before raising [his]503-harry own . ' Well , a very happy birthday , [Ralph]521-ralph - ' ' - [Ron]217-ron - ' whispered [Harry]503-harry . But [Ron]217-ron , who did not appear to be listening to the toast , had already thrown the mead into [his]217-ron mouth and swallowed it . There was one second , hardly more than a heartbeat , in which [Harry]503-harry knew there was something terribly wrong and [Slughorn]503-harry , it seemed , did not . ' - and may [you]503-harry have many more - ' [Ron]217-ron ! ' [Ron]217-ron had dropped [his]217-ron glass ; [he]217-ron half - rose from [his]217-ron chair and then crumpled , [his]217-ron extremities jerking uncontrollably . Foam was dribbling from [his]217-ron mouth and [his]217-ron eyes were bulging from their sockets . ' [Professor]4626-professor ! ' [Harry]503-harry bellowed . ' Do something ] ' But [Slughorn]503-harry seemed paralysed by shock . [Ron]217-ron twitched and choked : [his]217-ron skin was turning blue . ' What - but - ' spluttered [Slughorn]503-harry . [Harry]503-harry leapt over a low table and sprinted towards [Slughorn]503-harry 's open potion kit , pulling out jars and pouches , while the terrible sound of [Ron]217-ron 's gargling breath filled [the room]685-the room . Then [he]503-harry found it - the shrivelled kidney - like stone [Slughorn]503-harry had taken from [him]217-ron in Potions . [He]503-harry hurtled back to [Ron]217-ron 's side , wrenched open [his]217-ron jaw and thrust the bezoar into [his]217-ron mouth . [Ron]217-ron gave a great shudder , a rattling gasp and [his]217-ron body became limp and still . Chapter 19 : [Elf Tails So]522-elf tails so , all in all , not one of [Ron]217-ron 's better birthdays ? " said [Fred]232-fred . It was evening ; [the hospital wing]5397-the hospital wing was quiet , the windows curtained , the lamps lit . [Ron]217-ron 's was the only occupied bed . [Harry]503-harry , [Hermione]358-hermione , and [Ginny]236-ginny were sitting around [him]217-ron ; [they]2819-we had spent all day waiting outside the double doors , trying to see inside whenever [somebody]1513-somebody went in or out . [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey had only let [them]2819-we enter at eight o'clock . [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george had arrived at ten past . "[522-elf tails so] This is n't how [we]2819-we imagined handing over [our]2819-we present , " said [George]233-george grimly , putting down a large wrapped gift on [Ron]217-ron 's bedside cabinet and sitting beside [Ginny]236-ginny . "[2819-we] Yeah , when [we]2819-we pictured the scene , [he]217-ron was conscious , " said [Fred]232-fred . "[217-ron] There [we]2819-we were in [Hogsmeade]61-hogsmeade , waiting to surprise [him]217-ron — " said [George]233-george . "[2819-we] [You]2820-you were in [Hogsmeade]61-hogsmeade ? " asked [Ginny]236-ginny , looking up . "[2820-you] [We]2819-we were thinking of buying [Zonko]408-zonko 's , " said [Fred]232-fred gloomily . "[408-zonko] [A Hogsmeade branch]2821-a hogsmeade branch , [you]2822-you know , but a fat lot of good it 'll do [us]2819-we if [you]2822-you lot are n't allowed out at weekends to buy [our]2819-we stuff anymon ... But never mind that now . " [He]217-ron drew up a chair beside [Harry]503-harry and looked at [Ron]217-ron 's pale face . "[2822-you] How exactly did it happen , [Harry]503-harry ? " [Harry]503-harry retold the story [he]503-harry had already recounted , it felt like a hundred times to [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , to [McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall , to [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey , to [Hermione]358-hermione , and to [Ginny]236-ginny . "[503-harry] . . . and then [I]0-i got the bezoar down [his]2823-his throat and [his]2823-his breathing eased up a bit , [Slughorn]503-harry ran for help , [McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall and [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey turned up , and [they]2824-they brought [Ron]217-ron up [here]4439-here . [They]2824-they reckon [he]217-ron 'll be all right . [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey says [he]217-ron 'll have to stay [here]4439-here a week or so ... keep taking essence of rue . . . " "[320-madam pomfrey] [Blimey]246-blimey , it was lucky [you]246-blimey thought of a bezoar , " said [George]233-george in a low voice . "[246-blimey] Lucky there was one in [the room]685-the room , " said [Harry]503-harry , who kept turning cold at the thought of what would have happened if [he]503-harry had not been able to lay hands on the little stone . [Hermione]358-hermione gave an almost inaudible sniff . [She]358-hermione had been exceptionally quiet all day . Having hurtled , white - faced , up to [Harry]503-harry outside [the hospital wing]5397-the hospital wing and demanded to know what had happened . , [she]358-hermione had taken almost no part in [Harry]503-harry and [Ginny]236-ginny 's obsessive discussion about how [Ron]217-ron had been poisoned , but merely stood beside [them]2828-they , clench - jawed and frightened - looking , until ai last [they]2828-they had been allowed in to see [him]2829-him . "[246-blimey] Do [Mum]235-mum and [Dad]242-dad know ? " [Fred]232-fred asked [Ginny]236-ginny . "[242-dad] [They]2828-they 've already seen [him]2829-him , [they]2828-they arrived an hour ago — [they]2828-they 're in [[Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's office]4815-dumbledore 's office now , but [they]2828-they 'll be back soon . . . . " There was a pause while [they]2828-they all watched [Ron]217-ron mumble a little in [his]217-ron sleep . "[2828-they] So the poison was in the drink ? " said [Fred]232-fred quietly . "[2828-they] Yes , " said [Harry]503-harry at once ; [he]503-harry could think of nothing else and was glad for the opportunity to start discussing it again . "[503-harry] [Slughorn]503-harry poured it out — " "[503-harry] Would [he]503-harry have been able to slip something into [Ron]217-ron 's glass without [you]2831-you seeing ? " "[503-harry] Probably , " said [Harry]503-harry , "[503-harry] but why would [Slughorn]503-harry want to poison [Ron]217-ron ? " "[503-harry] No idea , " said [Fred]232-fred , frowning . "[503-harry] [You]2831-you do n't think [he]503-harry could have mixed up the glasses by mistake ? Meaning to get [you]2831-you ? " "[503-harry] Why would [Slughorn]503-harry want to poison [Harry]503-harry ? " asked [Ginny]236-ginny . "[503-harry] [I]0-i dunno , " said [Fred]232-fred , "[503-harry] but there must be loads of people who 'd like to poison [Harry]503-harry , must n't there ? ' [The Chosen One]940-the chosen one ' and all that ? " "[940-the chosen one] So [you]2831-you think [Slughorn]503-harry 's [a Death Eater]4651-a death eater ? " said [Ginny]236-ginny . : , "[4651-a death eater] Anything 's possible , " said [Fred]232-fred darkly . "[503-harry] [He]503-harry could be under the Imperius Curse , " said [George]233-george . "[503-harry] Or [he]503-harry could be innocent , " said [Ginny]236-ginny . "[503-harry] The poison could have been in the bottle , in which case it was probably meant for [Slughorn]503-harry [himself]503-harry . " "[503-harry] Who 'd want to kill [Slughorn]503-harry ? " "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore reckons [Voldemort]192-voldemort wanted [Slughorn]503-harry on [his]192-voldemort side , " said [Harry]503-harry . "[192-voldemort] [Slughorn]503-harry was in hiding for a year before [he]503-harry came to [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts . And . . . " [He]503-harry thought of the memory [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had not yet been able to extract from [Slughorn]503-harry . "[503-harry] And maybe [Voldemort]192-voldemort wants [him]503-harry out of the way , maybe [he]503-harry thinks [he]503-harry could be valuable to [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " "[503-harry] But [you]2834-you said [Slughorn]503-harry had been planning to give th.u Untie to [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore for Christmas , " [Ginny]236-ginny reminded [him]2834-you . "[2834-you] So [the poisoner]2835-the poisoner could just as easily have been after [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " "[2835-the poisoner] Then [the poisoner]2835-the poisoner did n't know [Slughorn]503-harry very well , " said [Hermione]358-hermione , speaking for the first time in hours and sounding as though [she]358-hermione had a bad head cold . "[2835-the poisoner] [Anyone who knew [Slughorn]503-harry]2837-anyone who knew slughorn would have [I]0-i known there was a good chance [he]503-harry 'd keep something that tasty for [himself]503-harry . " [I]503-harry "[503-harry] Er - [my]0-i - nee , " croaked [Ron]217-ron unexpectedly from between [them]6120-them [They]6120-them all fell silent , watching [him]217-ron anxiously , but after muttering incomprehensibly for a moment [he]217-ron merely started snoring . The dormitory doors flew open , making [them]6120-them all jump : [Hagrid]218-hagrid came striding toward [them]6120-them , [his]217-ron hair rain - flecked , [his]217-ron bearskin coat flapping behind [him]217-ron , a crossbow in [his]217-ron hand , leaving a trail of muddy dolphin - sized footprints all over the floor . "[503-harry] Bin in [the forest]4680-the forest all day ! " [he]217-ron panted . "[503-harry] [Aragog]402-aragog 's worse , [I]0-i bin readin ' to [him]402-aragog — didn ' get up ter dinner till jus ' now an ' then [Professor Sprout]344-professor sprout told [me]0-i abou ' [Ron]217-ron ! How is [he]402-aragog ? " "[402-aragog] Not bad , " said [Harry]503-harry . "[2839-they] [They]2839-they say [he]402-aragog 'll be okay . " "[2839-they] [No more than six visitors]2840-no more than six visitors at a time ! " said [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey , hurrying out of [[her]320-madam pomfrey office]2082-her office . "[2839-they] [Hagrid]218-hagrid makes six , " [George]233-george pointed out . "[2839-they] Oh . . . yes . .. " said [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey , who seemed to have been counting [Hagrid]218-hagrid as [several people]5208-several people due to [his]402-aragog vastness . To cover [her]320-madam pomfrey confusion , [she]320-madam pomfrey hurried off to clear up [his]402-aragog muddy foot prints with [her]320-madam pomfrey wand . "[0-i] [I]0-i don ' believe this , " said [Hagrid]218-hagrid hoarsely , shaking [his]0-i great shaggy head as [he]0-i stared down at [Ron]217-ron . "[0-i] Jus ' don ' believe it ... Look at [him]402-aragog lyin ' there . . . . Who 'd want ter hurt [him]402-aragog , eh ? " "[217-ron] That 's just what [we]2841-we were discussing , " said [Harry]503-harry . "[217-ron] [We]2841-we do n't know . " "[217-ron] [Someone]5066-someone couldn ’ have a grudge against [the Gryfinndor Quidditch team]2843-the gryfinndor quidditch team , could [they]5066-someone ? " said [Hagrid]218-hagrid anxiously . "[523-katie] [Firs ' Katie]523-katie , now [Ron]217-ron . . . " "[217-ron] [I]0-i ca nt see anyone trying to bump off [a Quidditch team]2844-a quidditch team , " said [I]232-fred m urge . [Wood]524-wood might 've done [the Slytherins]295-the slytherins if [he]524-wood could 've got away with it , "[232-fred] said [Fred]232-fred fairly . Well , [I]0-i do n't think it 's [Quidditch]519-quidditch , but [I]0-i think there 's a connection between the attacks , " said [Hermione]358-hermione quietly "[0-i] How d'you work that out ? " asked [Fred]232-fred . "[232-fred] Well , for one thing , [they]2845-they both ought to have been fatal and were n't , although that was pure luck . And for another , neither the poison nor the necklace seems to have reached [the person who was ( supposed to be killed]2846-the person who was ( supposed to be killed . Of course , " [she]358-hermione added broodingly , "[5066-someone] that makes [the person behind this]2847-the person behind this even more dangerous in a way , because [they]5066-someone do n't seem to care how many people [they]5066-someone finish off In lore [they]5066-someone actually reach [[their]5066-someone victim]2848-their victim . " Before [anybody]665-anybody could respond to this ominous pronouncement , [tin- dormitory]6124-tin- dormitory doors opened again and [Mr.]6125-mr. and [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid hurried up [the ward]6126-the ward . [They]2849-they had done no more than satisfy [themselves]2849-they that [Ron]217-ron would make a full recovery on [their]2849-they last visit to [the ward]6126-the ward ; now [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid seized hold of [Harry]503-harry and hugged [him]503-harry very tighty . "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's told [us]2849-they how [you]2850-you saved [him]2850-you with the bezoar , " [she]218-hagrid sobbed . "[2850-you] Oh , [Harry]503-harry , what can [we]2849-they say ? [You]2850-you saved [Ginny]236-ginny . . . [you]2850-you saved [Arthur]223-molly , . . now [you]2850-you 've saved [Ron]217-ron " Do n't be ... [I]503-harry did n't . . . "[503-harry] muttered [Harry]503-harry awkwardly . " [Half [our]2849-they family]6128-half our family does seem to owe [you]503-harry [their]6128-half our family lives , now [I]503-harry stop and think about it , "[503-harry] [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley said in a constricted voice . " Well , all [I]220-mr. weasley can say is that it was a lucky clay for [the Weasleys]219-the weasleys when [Ron]217-ron decided to sit in [[your]503-harry compartment on [the Hogwarts Expirv]111-the hogwarts expirv]6129-your compartment on the hogwarts expirv . , [Harry]503-harry . "[220-mr. weasley] [Harry]503-harry could not think of any reply to this and was almost gl.i?l when [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey reminded [them]2851-them that there were only supposed to be [six visitors]2852-six visitors around [Ron]217-ron 's bed ; [he]217-ron and [Hermione]358-hermione rose .h once to leave and [Hagrid]218-hagrid decided to go with [them]2851-them , leaving [Ron]217-ron with [[his]217-ron family]678-his family . " It 's terrible , "[218-hagrid] growled [Hagrid]218-hagrid into [his]217-ron beard , as [the three ol [them]2854-the three ol them]2854-the three ol them walked back along [the corridor]4994-the corridor to [the marble staircase]2856-the marble staircase . " Ml this new security , [an kids]6130-an kids are still gettin ' hurt . . . . [Dumbledoiv]525-dumbledoiv 's worried sick . . . . [He]525-dumbledoiv don say much , but [I]218-hagrid can tell . . . . "[218-hagrid] " Has n't [he]525-dumbledoiv got any ideas , [Hagrid]218-hagrid ? "[358-hermione] asked [Hermione]358-hermione desperately . " [I]218-hagrid spect [he]525-dumbledoiv 's got hundreds of ideas , brain like [his]525-dumbledoiv , "[218-hagrid] said [Hagrid]218-hagrid . " But [he]525-dumbledoiv doesn ' know who sent that necklace nor put poison in that wine , or they'dve bin caught , wouldn [they]6131-they ? Wha ' worries [me]218-hagrid , "[218-hagrid] said [Hagrid]218-hagrid , lowering [his]217-ron voice and glancing over [his]217-ron shoulder ( [Harry]503-harry , for good measure , checked the ceiling for Peeves ) , " is how long [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts can stay open if [kids]6132-kids are bein ' attacked . Chamber o ' Secrets all over again , isn ' it ? There 'll be panic , [more parents]6133-more parents takin [[their]6133-more parents kids]6134-their kids outta [school]4622-school , an nex ' thing [yeh]6136-yeh know [the board o ' governors]6137-the board o ' governors ... "[217-ron] [Hagrid]218-hagrid stopped talking as the ghost of [a long - haired woman]2857-a long - haired woman drifted serenely past , then resumed in a hoarse whisper , " . . . [the board o ' governors'll]6138-the board o ' governors'll be talkin about shuttin ' [us]6139-us up fer good . "[2857-a long - haired woman] " Surely not ? "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione , looking worried . " Got ta see it from [their]6138-the board o ' governors'll point o ' view , "[218-hagrid] said [Hagrid]218-hagrid heavily . " [I]218-hagrid mean , it 's always bin a bit of a risk sendin [a kid]5874-a kid ter [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , hasn ’ it ? [Yer]6136-yeh expect accidents , don ' [yeh]6136-yeh , with hundreds of [underage wizards]6141-underage wizards all locked up tergether , but attempted murder , tha 's tliff'rent . ' S'no wonder [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's angry with Sn — "[218-hagrid] [Hagrid]218-hagrid stopped in [his]2858-his tracks , a familiar , guilty expression on what was visible of [his]2858-his face above [his]2858-his tangled black beard . " What ? "[503-harry] said [Harry]503-harry quickly . " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's angry with [Snape]221-snape ? "[503-harry] " [I]218-hagrid never said tha ’ , "[218-hagrid] said [Hagrid]218-hagrid , though [his]2858-his look of panic could not have been a bigger giveaway . " Look at the time , it 's gettin ' on fer midnight , [I]218-hagrid need ter — "[218-hagrid] " [Hagrid]218-hagrid , why is [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore angry with [Snape]221-snape ? "[503-harry] [Harry]503-harry asked loudly . " Shhhh ! "[218-hagrid] said [Hagrid]218-hagrid , looking both nervous and angry . " Don ’ shout stuff like that , [Harry]503-harry , [d'yeh]146-dumbledore wan ’ [me]218-hagrid ter lose [me]218-hagrid job ? Mind , [I]218-hagrid don ' suppose [yeh'd]146-dumbledore care , would [yeh]146-dumbledore , not now [yeh've]146-dumbledore given up Care of [Mag]526-mag — "[218-hagrid] " Do n't try and make [me]503-harry feel guilty , it wo nt work ! "[503-harry] said [Harry]503-harry forcefully . " What 's [Snape]221-snape done ? "[503-harry] " [I]218-hagrid dunno , [Harry]503-harry , [I]218-hagrid shouldn'ta heard it at all ! [I]218-hagrid — well , [I]218-hagrid was comin ’ outta [the forest]4680-the forest the other evenin ’ an ' [I]218-hagrid overheard ['em]6143-'em talking — well , arguin ’ . Did n't like ter draw attention to [meself]6144-meself , so [I]218-hagrid sorta skulked an tried not ter listen , but it was a — well , a heated discussion an ' it wasn ’ easy ter block it out . "[218-hagrid] " Well ? "[503-harry] [Harry]503-harry urged [him]2859-him , as [Hagrid]218-hagrid shuffled [his]2859-him enormous feet uneasily . " Well — [I]218-hagrid jus ' heard [Snape]221-snape sayin ’ [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore took too much fer granted an maybe [he]221-snape — [Snape]221-snape — didn ’ wan ’ [ter]221-snape do it any more — “[218-hagrid] " Do what ? "[218-hagrid] " [I]218-hagrid dunno , [Harry]503-harry , it sounded like [Snape]221-snape was feelin ’ a bit overworked , [tha]146-dumbledore 's all — anyway , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore told [him]221-snape flat out [he]221-snape 'd agreed ter do it an ' that was all there was to it . Pretty firm with [him]221-snape . An ' then [he]221-snape said summat abou ’ [Snape]221-snape makin ' investigations in [[his]221-snape House]4607-his house , in [Slytherin]204-slytherin . Well , there 's nothin' strange abou ' that ! "[218-hagrid] [Hagrid]218-hagrid added hastily , as [Harry]503-harry and [Hermione]358-hermione exchanged looks full of meaning . " [All the Heads o ' Houses]6146-all the heads o ' houses were asked ter look inter that necklace business — "[358-hermione] " Yeah , but [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's not having rows with [the rest of [them]6146-all the heads o ' houses]5658-the rest of them , is [he]146-dumbledore ? "[503-harry] said [Harry]503-harry . " Look , "[503-harry] [Hagrid]218-hagrid twisted [his]2860-his crossbow uncomfortably in [his]2860-his hands ; there was a loud splintering sound and it snapped in two . " [I]218-hagrid know what [yeh're]6148-yeh're like abou ' Snape , [Harry]503-harry , an ' [I]218-hagrid don ' want [yeh]6148-yeh're ter go readin ' more inter this than there is . "[218-hagrid] " Look out , "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione tersely . [They]2861-they turned just in time to see the shadow of [Argus Filch]476-filch looming over the wall behind [them]2861-they before [the man]874-the man [himself]874-the man turned the corner , hunchbacked , [his]874-the man jowls aquiver . " Oho ! "[874-the man] [he]874-the man wheezed . " Out of bed so late , this 'll mean detention ! "[874-the man] " No it won ' , [Filch]476-filch , "[218-hagrid] said [Hagrid]218-hagrid shortly . " [They]2861-they 're with [me]218-hagrid , aren ’ [they]2861-they ? "[218-hagrid] " And what difference does that make ? "[476-filch] asked [Filch]476-filch obnoxiously . " [I]218-hagrid 'm [a ruddy teacher]6149-a ruddy teacher , aren ' [I]218-hagrid , [yeh]476-filch sneakin ' Squib ! "[218-hagrid] said [Hagrid]218-hagrid , firing up at once . There was a nasty hissing noise as [Filch]327-filch swelled with fury ; [Mrs. Norris]438-mrs. norris had arrived , unseen , and was twisting [herself]438-mrs. norris sinuously around [Filch]476-filch 's skinny ankles . " Get goin , "[218-hagrid] said [Hagrid]218-hagrid out of the corner of [his]2863-his mouth . [Harry]503-harry did not need telling twice ; [he]503-harry and [Hermione]358-hermione both hurried off ; [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's and [Filch]476-filch 's raised voices echoed behind [them]2864-them as [they]2864-them ran . [They]2864-them passed [Peeves]460-peeves near the turning into [Gryffindor Tower]78-gryffindor tower , but [he]476-filch was streaking happily toward the source of the yelling , cackling and calling , When there 's strife and when there 's trouble Call on [Peevsie]113-peevsie , [he]476-filch 'll make double ! [The Fat Lady]2094-the fat lady was snoozing and not pleased to be woken , but swung forward grumpily to allow [them]2864-them to clamber into [the mercifully peaceful and empty common room]2866-the mercifully peaceful and empty common room . It did not seem that [people]681-people knew about [Ron]217-ron yet ; [Harry]503-harry was very relieved : [He]503-harry had been interrogated enough that day . [Hermione]358-hermione bade [him]503-harry good night and set off for [[the girls]5510-the girls ' dormitory]2869-the girls ' dormitory . [Harry]503-harry , however , remained behind , taking a seat beside the fire and looking down into the dying embers . [So Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had argued with [Snape]221-snape . In spite of all [he]221-snape had told [Harry]503-harry , in spite of [his]221-snape insistence that [he]221-snape trusted [Snape]221-snape completely , [he]221-snape had lost [his]221-snape temper with [him]221-snape . . . . [He]221-snape did not think that [Snape]221-snape had tried hard enough to investigate [the Slytherins]295-the slytherins ... or , perhaps , to investigate a single Slytherin : [Malfoy]170-malfoy ? Was it because [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore did not want [Harry]503-harry to do anything foolish , to take matters into [his]503-harry own hands , that [he]503-harry had pretended there was nothing in [Harry]503-harry 's suspicions ? That seemed likely . It , might even be that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore did not want anything to distract [Harry]503-harry from [their]2870-their lessons , or from procuring that memory from [Slughorn]503-harry . Perhaps [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore did not think it right to confide suspicions about [his]146-dumbledore staff to [sixteen - year - olds]2871-sixteen - year - olds . ... " There [you]2873-a hulking figure are , [Potter]136-harry ! "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry jumped to [his]136-harry feet in shock , [his]136-harry wand at the ready . [He]136-harry had been quite convinced that [the common room]1602-the common room was empty ; [he]136-harry had not been at all prepared for [a hulking figure]2873-a hulking figure to rise suddenly out of a distant chair . A closer look showed [him]136-harry that it was [Cormac McLaggen]302-mclaggen . " [I]302-mclaggen 've been waiting for [you]136-harry to come back , "[302-mclaggen] said [McLaggen]302-mclaggen , disregarding [Harry]136-harry ’s drawn wand . " Must ’ve fallen asleep . Look , [I]302-mclaggen saw [them]6150-them taking [Weasley]217-ron up to [the hospital wing]5397-the hospital wing earlier . Did n't look like [he]217-ron 'll be fit for next week 's match . "[302-mclaggen] It took [Harry]136-harry a few moments to realize what [McLaggen]302-mclaggen was talking about . " Oh . . . right . . . [Quidditch]519-quidditch , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said , putting [his]136-harry wand back into the belt of [his]136-harry jeans and running a hand wearily through [his]136-harry hair . " Yeah ... [he]217-ron might not make it . "[136-harry] " Well , then , [I]302-mclaggen 'll be playing [Keeper]5396-keeper , wo n't [I]302-mclaggen ? "[302-mclaggen] said [McLaggen]302-mclaggen . " Yeah , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Yeah , [I]136-harry suppose so . ... "[136-harry] [He]136-harry could not think of an argument against it ; after all , [McLaggen]302-mclaggen had certainly performed second - best in the trials . " Excellent , "[302-mclaggen] said [McLaggen]302-mclaggen in a satisfied voice . " So when 's practice ? "[302-mclaggen] " What ? Oh . . . there 's one tomorrow evening . "[302-mclaggen] " Good . Listen , [Potter]136-harry , [we]6153-we should have a talk beforehand . [I]302-mclaggen 've got some ideas on strategy [you]136-harry might find useful . "[302-mclaggen] " Right , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry unenthusiastically . " Well , [I]136-harry 'll hear [them]6154-them tomorrow , then . [I]136-harry 'm pretty tired now ... see [you]136-harry . . . "[136-harry] The news that [Ron]217-ron had been poisoned spread quickly next day , but it did not cause the sensation that [Katie]523-katie 's attack had done . [People]681-people seemed to think that it might have been an accident , given that [he]217-ron had been in [[the Potions master]6073-the potions master 's room]2876-the potions master 's room at the time , and that as [he]217-ron had been given an antidote immediately there was no real harm done . In fact , [the Gryffindors]336-gryffindors were generally much more interested in the upcoming Quidditch match against [Hufflepuff]311-hufflepuff , for [many of [them]336-gryffindors]2877-many of them wanted to see [Zacharias Smith]310-zacharias smith , who played Chaser on [the Hufflepuff team]2878-the hufflepuff team , punished soundly for [his]310-zacharias smith commentary during the opening match against [Slytherin]434-slytherin . [Harry]136-harry , however , had never been less interested in [Quidditch]519-quidditch ; [he]136-harry was rapidly becoming obsessed with [Draco Malfoy]170-malfoy . Still checking [the Marauder]518-the marauder 's Map whenever [he]136-harry got a chance , [he]136-harry sometimes made detours to wherever [Malfoy]170-malfoy happened to be , but had not yet detected [him]136-harry doing anything out of the ordinary . And still there were those inexplicable times when [Malfoy]170-malfoy simply vanished from the map . . . . But [Harry]136-harry did not get a lot of time to consider the problem , what with Quidditch practice , homework , and the fact that [he]136-harry was now being dogged wherever [he]136-harry went by [Cormac McLaggen]302-mclaggen and [Lavender Brown]343-lavender . [He]136-harry could not decide which of [them]2879-them was more annoying . [McLaggen]302-mclaggen kept up a constant stream of hints that [he]136-harry would make [a better permanent Keeper for [the team]4847-the team]2880-a better permanent keeper for the team than [Ron]217-ron , and that now that [Harry]136-harry was seeing [him]217-ron play regularly [he]136-harry would surely come around to this way of thinking too ; [he]136-harry was also keen to criticize [the other players]2882-the other players and provide [Harry]136-harry with detailed training schemes , so that more than once [Harry]136-harry was forced to remind [him]217-ron who was [Captain]2883-captain . Meanwhile , [Lavender]343-lavender kept sidling up to [Harry]136-harry to discuss [Ron]217-ron , which [Harry]136-harry found almost more wearing than [McLaggen]302-mclaggen 's Quidditch lectures . At first , [Lavender]343-lavender had been very annoyed that [nobody]687-nobody had thought to tell [her]343-lavender that [Ron]217-ron was in [the hospital wing]5397-the hospital wing — " [I]687-nobody mean , [I]687-nobody am [[his]217-ron girlfriend]6155-his girlfriend ! "[687-nobody] — but unfortunately slit - had now decided to forgive [Harry]136-harry this lapse of memory and was keen to have lots of in - depth chats with [him]136-harry about [Ron]217-ron 's feelings , a most uncomfortable experience that [Harry]136-harry would have happily forgone . " Look , why do n't [you]343-lavender talk to [Ron]217-ron about all this ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry asked , after a particularly long interrogation from [Lavender]343-lavender that took in everything from precisely what [Ron]217-ron had said about [her]343-lavender new drew robes to whether or not [Harry]136-harry thought that [Ron]217-ron considered [his]217-ron relationship with [Lavender]343-lavender to be " serious . "[217-ron] " Well , [I]343-lavender would , but [he]217-ron 's always asleep when [I]343-lavender go and see [him]217-ron ! "[343-lavender] said [Lavender]343-lavender fretfully . " Is [he]217-ron ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , surprised , for [he]136-harry had found [Ron]217-ron perfectly alert every time [he]217-ron had been up to [the hospital wing]5397-the hospital wing , both highly interested in the news of [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore and Snape 's row and keen m abuse [McLaggen]302-mclaggen as much as possible . " Is [Hermione Granger]194-hermione still visiting [him]217-ron ? "[343-lavender] [Lavender]343-lavender demanded suddenly . " Yeah , [I]136-harry think so . Well , [they]6156-they 're [friends]5009-friends , are n't [they]6156-they ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry uncomfortably . " [Friends]5009-friends , do n't make [me]343-lavender laugh , "[343-lavender] said [Lavender]343-lavender scornfully . " [She]343-lavender did n't talk to [him]217-ron for weeks after [he]217-ron started going out with [me]343-lavender ! But [I]343-lavender suppose [she]343-lavender wants to make up with [him]217-ron now [he]217-ron 's all interesting . ... "[343-lavender] " Would [you]136-harry call getting poisoned being interesting ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry . " Anyway — sorry , got to go — there 's [McLaggen]302-mclaggen coming for a talk about [Quidditch]519-quidditch , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry hurriedly , and [he]136-harry dashed sideways through a door pretending to be solid wall and sprinted down the shortcut that would take [him]136-harry off to [Potions]114-potions where , thankfully , neither [Lavender]343-lavender nor [McLaggen]302-mclaggen could follow [him]136-harry . On the morning of the Quidditch match against [Hufflepuff]311-hufflepuff , [Harry]136-harry dropped in on [the hospital wing]5397-the hospital wing before heading down to [the pitch]1924-the pitch . [Ron]217-ron was very agitated ; [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey would not let [him]217-ron go down to watch the match , feeling it would overexcite [him]217-ron . " So how 's [McLaggen]302-mclaggen shaping up ? "[136-harry] [he]136-harry asked [Harry]136-harry nervously , apparently forgetting that [he]136-harry had already asked the same question twice . " [I]136-harry 've told [you]217-ron , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry patiently , " [he]302-mclaggen could be world - class and [I]136-harry would n't want to keep [him]302-mclaggen . [He]302-mclaggen keeps trying to tell [everyone]4750-everyone what to do , [he]302-mclaggen thinks [he]302-mclaggen could play every position better than [the rest of [us]6161-us]4522-the rest of us . [I]136-harry ca n't wait to be shot of [him]302-mclaggen . And speaking of getting shot of [people]681-people , "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry added , getting to [his]136-harry feet and picking up [his]136-harry Firebolt , " will [you]217-ron stop pretending to be asleep when [Lavender]343-lavender comes to see [you]217-ron ? [She]343-lavender 's driving [me]136-harry mad as well . "[136-harry] " Oh , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , looking sheepish . " Yeah . All right . "[217-ron] " If [you]217-ron do n't want to go out with [her]343-lavender anymore , just tell [her]343-lavender , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Yeah . . . well . . . it 's not that easy , is it ? "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron . [He]217-ron paused . " [Hermione]194-hermione going to look in before the match ? "[217-ron] [he]217-ron added casually . " No , [she]194-hermione 's already gone down to the pitch with [Ginny]236-ginny . "[217-ron] " Oh , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , looking rather glum . " Right . Well , good luck . Hope [you]217-ron hammer [McLag]527-mclag — [I]217-ron mean , [Smith]310-zacharias smith . "[217-ron] " [I]136-harry 'll try , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , shouldering [his]136-harry broom . " See [you]217-ron after the match . "[136-harry] [He]136-harry hurried down through [the deserted corridors]2889-the deserted corridors ; [the whole school]2376-the whole school was outside , either already seated in [the stadium]1918-the stadium or heading down toward [it]1918-the stadium . [He]136-harry was looking out of the windows [he]136-harry passed , trying to gauge how much wind [they]2892-they were facing , when a noise ahead made [him]136-harry glance up and [he]136-harry saw [Malfoy]170-malfoy walking toward [him]136-harry , accompanied by [two girls]2893-two girls , [both of whom looked sulky and resentful]2894-both of whom looked sulky and resentful . [Malfoy]170-malfoy stopped short at the sight of [Harry]136-harry , then gave a short , humorless laugh and continued walking . " Where 're [you]170-malfoy going ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry demanded . " Yeah , [I]170-malfoy 'm really going to tell [you]136-harry , because it 's [your]136-harry business , [Potter]136-harry , "[170-malfoy] sneered [Malfoy]170-malfoy . " [You]136-harry 'd better hurry up , [they]2893-two girls 'll be waiting for ' [the Chosen Captain]6163-the chosen captain ' — ' the Boy Who Scored ' — whatever [they]2893-two girls call [you]136-harry these days . "[170-malfoy] [One of [the girls]5510-the girls]2895-one of the girls gave an unwilling giggle . [Harry]136-harry stared at [her]2895-one of the girls . [She]2895-one of the girls blushed . [Malfoy]170-malfoy pushed past [Harry]136-harry and [she]2895-one of the girls and [[her]2895-one of the girls friend]1457-her friend followed at a trot , turning the corner and vanishing from view . [Harry]136-harry stood rooted on the spot and watched [them]2898-them disappear . This was infuriating ; [he]136-harry was already cutting it fine to get to the match on time and yet there was [Malfoy]170-malfoy , skulking off while [the rest of [the school]1525-the school]2899-the rest of the school was absent : [Harry]136-harry 's best chance yet of discovering what [Malfoy]170-malfoy was up to . The silent seconds trickled past , and [Harry]136-harry remained where [he]136-harry was , frozen , gazing at the place where [Malfoy]170-malfoy had vanished . . . . " Where have [you]136-harry been ? "[236-ginny] demanded [Ginny]236-ginny , as [Harry]136-harry sprinted into [the changing rooms]2901-the changing rooms . [The whole team]2305-the whole team was changed and ready ; [Coote]397-coote and [Peakes]395-peakes , [the Beaters]2903-the beaters , were both hitting [their]2903-the beaters clubs nervously against [their]2903-the beaters legs . " [I]136-harry met [Malfoy]170-malfoy , "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry told [her]236-ginny quietly , as [he]136-harry pulled [his]136-harry scarlet robes over [his]136-harry head . " So [I]136-harry wanted to know how come [he]170-malfoy 's up at [the castle]4540-the castle with [a couple of [girlfriends]6166-girlfriends]6165-a couple of girlfriends while [everyone else]1936-everyone else is down here . ... "[136-harry] " Does it matter right now ? "[136-harry] " Well , [I]136-harry 'm not likely to find out , am [I]136-harry ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , seizing [his]136-harry Firebolt and pushing [his]136-harry glasses straight . " Come on then ! "[136-harry] And without another word , [he]136-harry marched out onto the pitch to deafening cheers and boos . There was little wind ; the clouds were patchy ; every now and then there were dazzling flashes of bright sunlight . " Tricky conditions ! "[302-mclaggen] [McLaggen]302-mclaggen said bracingly to [the team]4847-the team . " [Coote]397-coote , [Peakes]395-peakes , [you]4847-the team 'll want to fly out of the sun , so [they]4847-the team do n't see [you]4847-the team coming — "[302-mclaggen] " [I]136-harry 'm [the Captain]5420-the captain , [McLaggen]302-mclaggen , shut up giving [them]4847-the team instructions , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry angrily . " Just get up by the goal posts ! "[136-harry] Once [McLaggen]302-mclaggen had marched off , [Harry]136-harry turned to [Coote]397-coote and [Peakes]395-peakes . " Make sure [you]4847-the team do fly out of the sun , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry told [them]4847-the team grudgingly . [He]136-harry shook hands with [the Hufflepuff Captain]2905-the hufflepuff captain , and then , on [Madam Hooch]444-madam hooch 's whistle , kicked off and rose into the air , higher than [the rest of [[his]136-harry team]1982-his team]2906-the rest of his team , streaking around the pitch in search of [the Snitch]5672-the snitch . If [he]136-harry could catch it good and early , there might be a chance [he]136-harry could get back up to [the castle]4540-the castle , seize [the Marauder]518-the marauder 's Map , and find out what [Malfoy]170-malfoy was doing . . . . " And that 's [Smith of Hufflepuff]528-smith of hufflepuff with the Quaffle , "[5676-the commentator] said a dreamy voice , echoing over [the grounds]1899-the grounds . " [He]528-smith of hufflepuff did the commentary last time , of course , and [Ginny Weasley]236-ginny flew into [him]528-smith of hufflepuff , [I]5676-the commentator think probably on purpose , it looked like it . [Smith]528-smith of hufflepuff was being quite rude about [Gryffindor]205-gryffindor , [I]5676-the commentator expect [he]528-smith of hufflepuff regrets that now [he]528-smith of hufflepuff 's playing them — oh , look , [he]528-smith of hufflepuff 's lost the Quaffle , [Ginny]236-ginny took it from [him]528-smith of hufflepuff , [I]5676-the commentator do like [her]236-ginny , [she]236-ginny 's very nice . ... "[5676-the commentator] [Harry]136-harry stared down at [the commentator]5676-the commentator 's podium . Surely [nobody in [their]2913-their right mind]2912-nobody in their right mind would have let [Luna Lovegood]288-luna commentate ? But even from above there was no mistaking that long , dirty - blonde hair , nor the necklace of butterbeer corks . . . . Beside [Luna]288-luna , [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall was looking slightly uncomfortable , as though [she]251-professor mcgonagall was indeed having second thoughts about this appointment . " . . . but now [that big Hufflepuff player]6169-that big hufflepuff player 's got the Quaffle from , [her]236-ginny , [I]251-professor mcgonagall ca n't remember [his]6169-that big hufflepuff player name , it 's something like [Bibble]529-bibble — no , [Buggins]530-buggins — "[251-professor mcgonagall] " It 's [Cadwallader]531-cadwallader ! "[251-professor mcgonagall] said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall loudly from beside [Luna]288-luna . [The crowd]4912-the crowd laughed . [Harry]136-harry stared around for [the Snitch]5672-the snitch ; there was no sign of it . Moments later , [Cadwallader]531-cadwallader scored . [McLaggen]302-mclaggen had been shouting criticism at [Ginny]236-ginny for allowing the Quaffle out of [her]236-ginny possession , with the result that [he]302-mclaggen had not noticed the large red ball soaring past [his]302-mclaggen right ear . " [McLaggen]302-mclaggen , will [you]302-mclaggen pay attention to what [you]302-mclaggen 're supposed to be doing and leave [everyone else]1936-everyone else alone ! "[136-harry] bellowed [Harry]136-harry , wheeling around to face [[his]136-harry Keeper]2916-his keeper . " [You]302-mclaggen 're not setting a great example ! "[136-harry] [McLaggen]302-mclaggen shouted back , red - faced and furious . " And [Harry Potter]136-harry 's now having an argument with [[his]136-harry Keeper]2916-his keeper , "[288-luna] said [Luna]288-luna serenely , while both [Hufflepuffs]390-hufflepuffs and [Slytherins below in the crowd]2917-slytherins below in the crowd cheered and jeered . " [I]2917-slytherins below in the crowd do n't think that 'll help [him]136-harry find [the Snitch]447-the snitch , but maybe it 's a clever ruse . ... "[2917-slytherins below in the crowd] Swearing angrily , [Harry]136-harry spun round and set off around [the pitch]1924-the pitch again , scanning the skies for some sign of the tiny , winged golden ball . [Ginny]236-ginny and [Demelza]392-demelza scored a goal apiece , giving [the red - and - gold - clad supporters]2919-the red - and - gold - clad supporters below something to cheer about . Then [Cadwallader]531-cadwallader scored again , making things level , but [Luna]288-luna did not seem to have noticed ; [she]288-luna appeared singularly uninterested in such mundane things as the score , and kept attempting to draw [the crowd]4912-the crowd 's attention to such things as interestingly shaped clouds and the possibility that [Zacharias Smith]310-zacharias smith , who had so far failed to maintain possession of the Quaffle for longer than a minute , was suffering from something called " [Loser 's Lurgy]532-loser 's lurgy . "[302-mclaggen] " Seventy - forty to [Hufflepuff]528-smith of hufflepuff ! "[251-professor mcgonagall] barked [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall into [Luna]288-luna 's megaphone . " Is it , already ? "[288-luna] said [Luna]288-luna vaguely . " Oh , look ! [The Gryffindor Keeper]205-gryffindor 's got hold of one of the Beater 's bats . "[288-luna] [Harry]136-harry spun around in midair . Sure enough , [McLaggen]302-mclaggen , for reasons best known to [himself]302-mclaggen , had pulled [Peakes]395-peakes 's bat from [him]302-mclaggen and appeared to be demonstrating how to hit [a Bludger]2314-a bludger toward an oncoming [Cadwallader]531-cadwallader . " Will [you]302-mclaggen give [him]302-mclaggen back [his]302-mclaggen bat and get back to the goal posts ! "[136-harry] roared [Harry]136-harry , pelting toward [McLaggen]302-mclaggen just as [McLaggen]302-mclaggen took a ferocious swipe at [the Bludger]396-bludger and mishit it . A blinding , sickening pain ... a flash of light . . . distant screams . . . and the sensation of falling down [a long tunnel]2922-a long tunnel . . . And the next thing [Harry]136-harry knew , [he]136-harry was lying in a remarkably warm and comfortable bed and looking up at a lamp that was throwing a circle of golden light onto a shadowy ceiling . [He]136-harry raised [his]136-harry head awkwardly . There on [his]136-harry left was [a familiar - looking , freckly , red - haired person]2923-a familiar - looking , freckly , red - haired person . " Nice of [you]136-harry to drop in , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , grinning . [Harry]136-harry blinked and looked around . Of course : [He]136-harry was in [the hospital wing]5397-the hospital wing . The sky outside was indigo streaked with crimson . The match must have finished hours ago ... as had any hope of cornering [Malfoy]170-malfoy . [Harry]136-harry 's head felt strangely heavy ; [he]136-harry raised a hand and felt a stiff turban of bandages . " What happened ? "[320-madam pomfrey] " Cracked skull , "[320-madam pomfrey] said [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey , bustling up and pushing [him]136-harry back against [his]136-harry pillows . " Nothing to worry about , [I]320-madam pomfrey mended it at once , but [I]320-madam pomfrey 'm keeping [you]136-harry in overnight . [You]136-harry should n't over exert [yourself]136-harry for a few hours . "[320-madam pomfrey] " [I]136-harry do n't want to stay [here]4439-here overnight , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry angrily , sitting up and throwing back [his]136-harry covers . " [I]136-harry want to find [McLaggen]302-mclaggen and kill [him]302-mclaggen . "[136-harry] " [I]320-madam pomfrey 'm afraid that would come under the heading of ' overexertion , ' "[320-madam pomfrey] said [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey , pushing [him]136-harry firmly back onto the bed and raising [her]320-madam pomfrey wand in a threatening manner . " [You]136-harry will stay [here]4439-here until [I]320-madam pomfrey discharge [you]136-harry , [Potter]136-harry , or [I]320-madam pomfrey shall call [the headmaster]1054-the headmaster . "[320-madam pomfrey] [She]320-madam pomfrey bustled back into [[her]320-madam pomfrey office]2082-her office , and [Harry]136-harry sank back into [his]136-harry pillows , fuming . " D'you know how much [we]6175-we lost by ? "[136-harry] [he]136-harry asked [Ron]217-ron through clenched teeth . " Well , yeah [I]217-ron do , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron apologetically . " Final score was three hundred and twenty to sixty . "[217-ron] " Brilliant , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry savagely . " Really brilliant ! When [I]136-harry get hold of [McLaggen]302-mclaggen — "[136-harry] " [You]136-harry do n't want to get hold of [him]302-mclaggen , [he]302-mclaggen 's the size of a troll , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron reasonably . " Personally , [I]217-ron think there 's a lot to be said for hexing [him]302-mclaggen with that toenail thing of [the Prince]1725-the prince 's . Anyway , [the rest of [the team]4847-the team]5425-the rest of the team might 've dealt with [him]302-mclaggen before [you]136-harry get out of [here]4439-here , [they]5425-the rest of the team 're not happy . ... "[217-ron] There was a note of badly suppressed glee in [Rons]450-rons voice ; [Harry]136-harry could tell [he]136-harry was nothing short of thrilled that [McLaggen]302-mclaggen had messed up so badly . [Harry]136-harry lay there , staring up at the patch of light on the ceiling , [his]136-harry recently mended skull not hurting , precisely , but feeling slightly tender underneath all the bandaging . " [I]217-ron could hear the match commentary from here , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , [his]217-ron voice now shaking with laughter . " [I]217-ron hope [Luna]288-luna always commentates from now on . . . . Loser 's [Lurgy]532-loser 's lurgy ... "[217-ron] But [Harry]136-harry was still too angry to see much humor in the situation , and after a while [Ron]217-ron 's snorts subsided . " [Ginny]236-ginny came in to visit while [you]136-harry were unconscious , "[217-ron] [he]217-ron said , after a long pause , and [Harry]136-harry 's imagination zoomed into overdrive , rapidly constructing a scene in which [Ginny]236-ginny , weeping over [his]136-harry lifeless form , confessed [her]236-ginny feelings of deep attraction to [him]136-harry while [Ron]217-ron gave [them]2926-them [his]217-ron blessing . . . ."She reckons [you]136-harry only just arrived on time for the match . How come ? [You]136-harry left [here]4439-here early enough . "[217-ron] " Oh . . . "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , as the scene in [his]136-harry mind 's eye imploded . " Yeah . . . well , [I]136-harry saw [Malfoy]170-malfoy sneaking off with [a couple of girls who did n't look like [they]6181-a couple of girls who did n't look like they wanted to be with him wanted to be with [him]170-malfoy]6181-a couple of girls who did n't look like they wanted to be with him , and that 's the second time [he]170-malfoy 's made sure [he]170-malfoy is n't down on the Quidditch pitch with [the rest of [the school]1525-the school]2899-the rest of the school ; [he]170-malfoy skipped the last match too , remember ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry sighed . " Wish [I]136-harry 'd followed [him]170-malfoy now , the match was such a fiasco . . . . "[136-harry] " Do n't be stupid , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron sharply . " [You]136-harry could n't have missed a Quidditch match just to follow [Malfoy]170-malfoy , [you]136-harry 're [the Captain]5420-the captain ! "[217-ron] " [I]136-harry want to know what [he]170-malfoy 's up to , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " And do n't tell nn its all in [my]136-harry head , not after what [I]136-harry overheard between [him]170-malfoy and [Snape]221-snape — "[136-harry] " [I]217-ron never said it was all in [your]136-harry head , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , hoisting [himself]217-ron up on an elbow in turn and frowning at [Harry]136-harry , " but there 's no rule saying [only one person]6185-only one person at a time can be plotting anything in [this place]4674-this place ! [You]136-harry 're getting a bit obsessed with [Malfoy]170-malfoy , [Harry]136-harry . [I]217-ron mean , thinking about missing a match just to follow [him]170-malfoy ... "[217-ron] " [I]136-harry want to catch [him]170-malfoy at it ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry in frustration . " [I]136-harry mean , where 's [he]170-malfoy going when [he]170-malfoy disappears off the map ? "[136-harry] " [I]217-ron dunno . . . [Hogsmeade]61-hogsmeade ? "[217-ron] suggested [Ron]217-ron , yawning . " [I]217-ron 've never seen [him]170-malfoy going along any of [the secret passageway on the map]6187-the secret passageway on the map . [I]217-ron thought [they]2927-they were being watched now anyway ? "[217-ron] " Well then , [I]217-ron dunno , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron . Silence fell between [them]2927-they . [Harry]136-harry stared up at the circle of lamp light above [him]136-harry , thinking . . . . If only [he]136-harry had [Rufus Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour 's power , [he]136-harry would have been able to set a tail upon [Malfoy]170-malfoy , but unfortunately [Harry]136-harry did not have [an office full of [Aurors]1277-aurors at [his]136-harry command]2928-an office full of aurors at his command . . . . [He]136-harry thought fleetingly of trying to set something up with [the D.A.]57-the d.a. , but there again was the problem that [people]681-people would be missed from lessons ; most of [them]681-people , after all , still had full schedules . . . . There was a low , rumbling snore from [Ron]217-ron 's bed . After a while [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey came out of [[her]320-madam pomfrey office]2082-her office , this time wearing a thick dressing gown . It was easiest to feign sleep ; [Harry]136-harry rolled over onto [his]136-harry side and listened to all the curtains closing themselves as [she]320-madam pomfrey waved [her]320-madam pomfrey wand . The lamps dimmed , and [she]320-madam pomfrey returned to [[her]320-madam pomfrey office]2082-her office ; [he]136-harry heard the door click behind [her]320-madam pomfrey and knew that [she]320-madam pomfrey was off to bed . This was , [Harry]136-harry reflected in the darkness , the third time that [he]136-harry had been brought to [the hospital wing]5397-the hospital wing because of a Quidditch injury . Last time [he]136-harry had fallen off [his]136-harry broom due to the presence of [dementors around the pitch]2934-dementors around the pitch , and the time before that , all the bones had been removed from [his]136-harry arm by the incurably inept [Professor Lockhart]534-professor lockhart . . . . That had been [his]136-harry most painful injury by far ... [he]136-harry remembered the agony of regrowing an armful of bones in one night , a discomfort not eased by the arrival of [an unexpected visitor]2935-an unexpected visitor in the middle of the — [Harry]136-harry sat bolt upright , [his]136-harry heart pounding , [his]136-harry bandage turban askew . [He]136-harry had the solution at last : There was a way to have [Malfoy]170-malfoy followed — how could [he]136-harry have forgotten , why had n't [he]136-harry thought of it before ? But the question was , how to call [him]170-malfoy ? What did [you]2936-you do ? Quietly , tentatively , [Harry]136-harry spoke into the darkness . " [Kreacher]186-kreacher ? "[136-harry] There was a very loud crack , and the sounds of scuffling and squeaks filled [the silent room]2937-the silent room . [Ron]217-ron awoke with a yelp . " What 's going — ? "[217-ron] [Harry]136-harry pointed [his]136-harry wand hastily at the door of [[Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey 's office]2938-madam pomfrey 's office and muttered , " Muffliato ! "[136-harry] so that [she]320-madam pomfrey would not come running . Then [he]136-harry scrambled to the end of [his]136-harry bed for a better look at what was going on . [Two house - elves]2939-two house - elves were rolling around on the floor in the middle of [the dormitory]2782-the dormitory , [one wearing a shrunken maroon jumper and several woolly hats]2941-one wearing a shrunken maroon jumper and several woolly hats , [the other]844-the other , a filthy old rag strung over [his]844-the other hips like a loincloth . Then there was another loud bang , and [Peeves]460-peeves [the Poltergeist]2943-the poltergeist appeared in midair above [the wrestling elves]2944-the wrestling elves . " [I]460-peeves was watching that , [Potty]461-potty ! "[460-peeves] [he]460-peeves told [Harry]136-harry indignantly , pointing at the fight below , before letting out a loud cackle . " Look at the ickle creatures squabbling , bitey bitey , punchy punchy — "[460-peeves] " [Kreacher]186-kreacher will not insult [Harry Potter]136-harry in front of [Dobby]502-dobby , no [he]502-dobby wo n't , or [Dobby]502-dobby will shut [Kreacher]186-kreacher 's mouth for [him]502-dobby ! "[502-dobby] cried [Dobby]502-dobby in a high - pitched voice . " — kicky , scratchy ! "[460-peeves] cried [Peeves]460-peeves happily , now pelting bits of ' chalk at [the elves]2945-the elves to enrage [them]2945-the elves further . " Tweaky , pokey ! "[460-peeves] " [Kreacher]186-kreacher will say what [he]186-kreacher likes about [[his]186-kreacher master]6188-his master , oh yes , and what [a master]6189-a master [he]186-kreacher is , [filthy friend of Mudbloods]6190-filthy friend of mudbloods , oh , what would [poor [Kreacher]186-kreacher 's mistress]6191-poor kreacher 's mistress say — ? "[502-dobby] Exactly what [[Kreacher]186-kreacher 's mistress]2946-kreacher 's mistress would have said [they]2947-they did not find out , for at that moment [Dobby]502-dobby sank [his]502-dobby knobbly little fist into [Kreacher]186-kreacher ’s mouth and knocked out half of [his]186-kreacher teeth . [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron both leapt out of [their]2947-they beds and wrenched [the two elves]2948-the two elves apart , though [they]2948-the two elves continued to try and kick and punch [each other]4377-each other , egged on by [Peeves]460-peeves , who swooped around the lamp squealing , " Stick [your]136-harry fingers up [his]460-peeves nosey , draw [his]460-peeves cork and pull [his]460-peeves earsies — "[460-peeves] [Harry]136-harry aimed [his]136-harry wand at [Peeves]460-peeves and said , " [Langlock]535-langlock ! "[136-harry] [Peeves]460-peeves clutched at [his]460-peeves throat , gulped , then swooped from [the room]685-the room making obscene gestures but unable to speak , owing to the fact that [his]460-peeves tongue had just glued itself to the roof of [his]460-peeves mouth . " [Nice one]2795-nice one , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron appreciatively , lifting [Dobby]502-dobby into the air so that [his]502-dobby flailing limbs no longer made contact with [Kreacher]186-kreacher . " That was [another Prince hex]6193-another prince hex , was n't it ? "[217-ron] " Yeah , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , twisting [Kreacher]186-kreacher 's wizened arm into a half nelson . " Right — [I]136-harry 'm forbidding [you]186-kreacher to fight [each other]4377-each other ! Well , [Kreacher]186-kreacher , [you]186-kreacher 're forbidden to fight [Dobby]502-dobby . [Dobby]502-dobby , [I]136-harry know [I]136-harry 'm not allowed to give [you]186-kreacher orders — "[136-harry] " [Dobby]502-dobby is [a free house - elf]6195-a free house - elf and [he]502-dobby can obey anyone [he]502-dobby likes and [Dobby]502-dobby will do whatever [Harry Potter]136-harry wants [him]502-dobby to do ! "[502-dobby] said [Dobby]502-dobby , tears now streaming down [his]502-dobby shriveled little face onto [his]502-dobby jumper . " Okay then , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , and [he]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron both released [the elves , who fell to the floor but did not continue fighting]2951-the elves , who fell to the floor but did not continue fighting . " [Master]6196-master called [me]186-kreacher ? "[186-kreacher] croaked [Kreacher]186-kreacher , sinking into a bow even as [he]186-kreacher gave [Harry]136-harry a look that plainly wished [him]186-kreacher a painful death . " Yeah , [I]136-harry did , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , glancing toward [[Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey 's office]2938-madam pomfrey 's office door to check that the Muffliato spell was still working ; there was no sign that [she]320-madam pomfrey had heard any of the commotion . " [I]320-madam pomfrey 've got a job for [you]186-kreacher . "[320-madam pomfrey] " [Kreacher]186-kreacher will do whatever [Master]6197-master wants , "[186-kreacher] said [Kreacher]186-kreacher , sinking so low that [his]186-kreacher lips almost touched [his]186-kreacher gnarled toes , " because [Kreacher]186-kreacher has no choice , but [Kreacher]186-kreacher is ashamed to have [such a master]6198-such a master , yes — "[186-kreacher] " [Dobby]502-dobby will do it , [Harry Potter]136-harry ! "[502-dobby] squeaked [Dobby]502-dobby , [his]502-dobby tennis - ball - sized eyes still swimming in tears . " [Dobby]502-dobby would be honored to help [Harry Potter]136-harry ! "[186-kreacher] " Come to think of it , it would be good to have both of [you]186-kreacher , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Okay then ... [I]136-harry want [you]186-kreacher to tail [Draco Malfoy]170-malfoy . "[136-harry] Ignoring the look of mingled surprise and exasperation on [Ron]217-ron 's face , [Harry]136-harry went on , " [I]136-harry want to know where [he]170-malfoy 's going , who [he]170-malfoy 's meeting , and what [he]170-malfoy 's doing . [I]136-harry want [you]186-kreacher to follow [him]170-malfoy around the clock . "[136-harry] " Yes , [Harry Potter]136-harry ! "[502-dobby] said [Dobby]502-dobby at once , [his]502-dobby great eyes shining with excitement . " And if [Dobby]502-dobby does it wrong , [Dobby]502-dobby will throw [himself]502-dobby off [the topmost tower]6199-the topmost tower , [Harry Potter]136-harry ! "[502-dobby] " There wo n't be any need for that , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry hastily . " [Master]6200-master wants [me]186-kreacher to follow [the youngest of [the Malfoys]266-the malfoys]6201-the youngest of the malfoys ? "[186-kreacher] croaked [Kreacher]186-kreacher . " [Master]6202-master wants [me]186-kreacher to spy upon [the pure - blood great - nephew of [[my]186-kreacher old mistress]6204-my old mistress]6203-the pure - blood great - nephew of my old mistress ? "[186-kreacher] " That 's the one , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , foreseeing a great danger and determining to prevent it immediately . " And [you]186-kreacher 're forbidden to tip [him]186-kreacher off , [Kreacher]186-kreacher , or to show [him]186-kreacher what [you]186-kreacher 're up to , or to talk to [him]186-kreacher at all , or to write [him]186-kreacher messages or ... or to contact [him]186-kreacher in any way . Got it ? "[136-harry] [He]136-harry thought [he]136-harry could see [Kreacher]186-kreacher struggling to see a loophole in the instructions [he]186-kreacher had just been given and waited . After a moment or two , and to [Harrys]269-harrys great satisfaction , [Kreacher]186-kreacher bowed deeply again and said , with bitter resentment , " [Master]6196-master thinks of everything , and [Kreacher]186-kreacher must obey [him]6196-master even though [Kreacher]186-kreacher would much rather be [the servant of [the Malfoy boy]6207-the malfoy boy]6206-the servant of the malfoy boy , oh yes . . . . "[186-kreacher] " That 's settled , then , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [I]136-harry 'll want regular reports , but make sure [I]136-harry 'm not surrounded by [people]681-people when [you]186-kreacher turn up . [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione are okay . And do n't tell [anyone]660-anyone what [you]186-kreacher 're doing . Just stick to [Malfoy]170-malfoy like a couple of wart plasters . "[136-harry] Chapter 20 : [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort 's Request [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron left [the hospital wing]5397-the hospital wing first thing on Monday morning , restored to full health by the ministrations of [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey and now able to enjoy the benefits of having been knocked out and poisoned , the best of which was that [Hermione]194-hermione was friends with [Ron]217-ron again . [Hermione]194-hermione even escorted [them]2954-they down to breakfast , bringing with [her]194-hermione the news that [Ginny]236-ginny had argued with [Dean]261-dean . The drowsing creature in [Harry]136-harry 's chest suddenly raised its head , sniffing the air hopefully . " What did [they]2954-they row about ? "[136-harry] [he]136-harry asked , trying to sound casual as [they]2954-they turned onto [a seventh - floor corridor]2276-a seventh - floor corridor that was deserted but for [a very small girl who had been examining a tapestry of trolls in tutus]2956-a very small girl who had been examining a tapestry of trolls in tutus . [She]2956-a very small girl who had been examining a tapestry of trolls in tutus looked terrified at the sight of the approaching sixth years and dropped the heavy brass scales [she]2956-a very small girl who had been examining a tapestry of trolls in tutus was carrying . " It 's all right ! "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione kindly , hurrying forward to help [her]2956-a very small girl who had been examining a tapestry of trolls in tutus . " Here ... "[2956-a very small girl who had been examining a tapestry of trolls in tutus] [She]2956-a very small girl who had been examining a tapestry of trolls in tutus tapped the broken scales with [her]2956-a very small girl who had been examining a tapestry of trolls in tutus wand and said , " [Reparo]373-reparo . "[2956-a very small girl who had been examining a tapestry of trolls in tutus] [The girl]1349-the girl did not say thank [you]136-harry , but remained rooted to the spot as [they]2954-they passed and watched [them]2954-they out of sight ; [Ron]217-ron glanced back at [her]1349-the girl . " [I]217-ron swear [they]2954-they 're getting smaller , "[217-ron] [he]217-ron said . " Never mind [her]1349-the girl , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , a little impatiently . " What did [Ginny]236-ginny and [Dean]261-dean row about , [Hermione]194-hermione ? "[136-harry] " Oh , [Dean]261-dean was laughing about [McLaggen]302-mclaggen hitting that Bludgu at [you]136-harry , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione . " It must 've looked funny , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron reasonably . " It did n't look funny at all ! "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione hotly . " It looked terrible and if [Coote]397-coote and [Peakes]395-peakes had n't caught [Harry]136-harry [he]136-harry could have been very badly hurt ! "[194-hermione] " Yeah , well , there was no need for [Ginny]236-ginny and [Dean]261-dean to split up over it , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , still trying to sound casual . " Or are [they]6210-they still together ? "[136-harry] " Yes , [they]6210-they are — but why are [you]136-harry so interested ? "[194-hermione] asked [Hermione]194-hermione , giving [Harry]136-harry a sharp look . " [I]136-harry just do n't want [[my]136-harry Quidditch team]6211-my quidditch team messed up again ! "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said hastily , but [Hermione]194-hermione continued to look suspicious , and [he]136-harry was most relieved when a voice behind [them]2958-them called , " [Harry]136-harry ! "[194-hermione] giving [him]136-harry an excuse to turn [his]136-harry back on [her]194-hermione . " Oh , hi , [Luna]288-luna . "[194-hermione] - " [I]288-luna went to [the hospital wing]5397-the hospital wing to find [you]217-ron , "[288-luna] said [Luna]288-luna , rummaging in [her]288-luna bag . " But [they]2958-them said [you]217-ron 'd left ... "[288-luna] [She]288-luna thrust what appeared to be a green onion , a large spotted toadstool , and a considerable amount of what looked like cat litter into [Ron]217-ron 's hands , finally pulling out a rather grubby scroll of parchment that [she]288-luna handed to [Harry]136-harry . " . . . [I]288-luna 've been told to give [you]136-harry this . "[288-luna] It was a small roll of parchment , which [Harry]136-harry recognized at once as another invitation to a lesson with [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " Tonight , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry told [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione , once [he]136-harry had unrolled it . " Nice commentary last match ! "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron to [Luna]288-luna as [she]288-luna took back the green onion , the toadstool , and the cat litter . [Luna]288-luna smiled vaguely . " [You]217-ron 're making fun of [me]288-luna , are n't [you]217-ron ? "[288-luna] [she]288-luna said . " [Everyone]4750-everyone says [I]288-luna was dreadful . "[288-luna] " No , [I]217-ron 'm serious ! "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron earnestly . " [I]217-ron ca n't remember enjoying commentary more ! What is this , by the way ? "[217-ron] [he]217-ron added , holding the onionlike object up to eye level . " Oh , it 's a Gurdyroot , "[288-luna] [she]288-luna said , stuffing the cat litter and the toadstool back into [her]288-luna bag . " [You]217-ron can keep it if [you]217-ron like , [I]288-luna 've got a few of them . [They]6214-they 're really excellent for warding off Gulping Plimpies . "[288-luna] And [she]288-luna walked away , leaving [Ron]217-ron chortling , still clutching the Gurdyroot . " [You]217-ron know , [she]343-lavender 's grown on [me]217-ron , [Luna]288-luna , "[217-ron] [he]217-ron said , as [they]2959-they set off again for [the Great Hall]1520-the great hall . " [I]217-ron know [she]343-lavender 's insane , but it 's in a good — "[217-ron] [He]217-ron stopped talking very suddenly . [Lavender Brown]343-lavender was standing at the foot of the marble staircase looking thunderous . " Hi , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron nervously . " C'm on , "[217-ron] [Harry]136-harry muttered to [Hermione]2961-hermione , and [they]2959-they sped past , though not before [they]2959-they had heard [Lavender]343-lavender say , " Why did n't [you]136-harry tell [me]343-lavender [you]136-harry were getting out today ? And why was [she]343-lavender with [you]136-harry ? "[343-lavender] [Ron]217-ron looked both sulky and annoyed when [he]217-ron appeared at breakfast half an hour later , and though [he]217-ron sat with [Lavender]343-lavender , [Harry]136-harry did not see [them]2959-they exchange a word all the time [they]2959-they were together . [Hermione]194-hermione was acting as though [she]194-hermione was quite oblivious to all of this , but once or twice [Harry]136-harry saw an inexplicable smirk cross [her]194-hermione face . All that day [she]194-hermione seemed to be in a particularly good mood , and that evening in [the common room]1602-the common room [she]194-hermione even consented to look over ( in other words , finish writing ) [Harry]136-harry 's Herbology essay , something [she]194-hermione had been resolutely refusing to do up to this point , because [she]194-hermione had known that [Harry]136-harry would then let [Ron]217-ron copy [his]217-ron work . " Thanks a lot , [Hermione]194-hermione , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , giving [her]194-hermione a hasty pat on the back as [he]136-harry checked [his]136-harry watch and saw that it was nearly eight o'clock . " Listen , [I]136-harry ’ve got to hurry or [I]136-harry 'll be late for [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . ... "[136-harry] [She]194-hermione did not answer , but merely crossed out a few of [his]136-harry feebler sentences in a weary sort of way . Grinning , [Harry]136-harry hurried out through the portrait hole and off to [the headmasters office]2963-the headmasters office . [The gargoyle]2964-the gargoyle leapt aside at the mention of toffee eclairs , and [Harry]136-harry took the spiral staircase two steps at a time , knocking on the door just as a clock within chimed eight . " Enter , "[146-dumbledore] called [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , but as [Harry]136-harry put out a hand to push the door , it was wrenched open from inside . There stood [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney . " Aha ! "[333-professor trelawney] [she]333-professor trelawney cried , pointing dramatically at [Harry]136-harry as [she]333-professor trelawney blinked at [him]136-harry through [her]333-professor trelawney magnifying spectacles . " So this is the reason [I]333-professor trelawney am to be thrown unceremoniously from [[your]136-harry office]2429-your office , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ! "[333-professor trelawney] " [[My]146-dumbledore dear]4367-my dear [Sybill]536-sybill , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore in a slightly exasperated voice , " there is no question of throwing [you]536-sybill unceremoniously from anywhere , but [Harry]136-harry does have an appointment , and [I]146-dumbledore really do n't think there is any more to be said — "[146-dumbledore] " Very well , "[333-professor trelawney] said [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney , in a deeply wounded voice . " If [you]136-harry will not banish the usurping nag , so be it . ... Perhaps [I]333-professor trelawney shall find [a school where [my]333-professor trelawney talents are better appreciated]6217-a school where my talents are better appreciated . ... "[333-professor trelawney] [She]333-professor trelawney pushed past [Harry]136-harry and disappeared down [the spiral staircase]2965-the spiral staircase ; [they]2966-they heard [her]333-professor trelawney stumble halfway down , and [Harry]136-harry guessed that [she]333-professor trelawney had tripped over one of [her]333-professor trelawney trailing shawls . " Please close the door and sit down , [Harry]136-harry , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , sounding rather tired . [Harry]136-harry obeyed , noticing as [he]136-harry took [his]136-harry usual seat in front of [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's desk that [the Pensieve]65-the pensieve lay between [them]2966-they once more , as did two more tiny crystal bottles full of swirling memory . " [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney still is n't happy Firenze is teaching , then ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry asked . " No , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , " Divination is turning out to be much more trouble than [I]146-dumbledore could have foreseen , never having studied the subject [myself]146-dumbledore . [I]146-dumbledore can not ask [Firenze]347-firenze to return to [the forest]4680-the forest , where [he]347-firenze is now [an outcast]6219-an outcast , nor can [I]146-dumbledore ask [Sybill Trelawney]536-sybill to leave . Between [ourselves]2966-they , [she]536-sybill has no idea of the danger [she]536-sybill would be in outside [the castle]4540-the castle . [She]536-sybill does not know — and [I]146-dumbledore think it would be unwise to enlighten [her]536-sybill — that [she]536-sybill made the prophecy about [you]136-harry and [Voldemort]192-voldemort , [you]136-harry see . "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore heaved a deep sigh , then said , " But never mind [my]146-dumbledore staffing problems . [We]2966-they have much more important matters to discuss . Firstly — have [you]136-harry managed the task [I]146-dumbledore set [you]136-harry at the end of [our]2966-they previous lesson ? "[146-dumbledore] " Ah , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , brought up short . What with Apparition lessons and [Quidditch]519-quidditch and [Ron]217-ron being poisoned and getting [his]217-ron skull cracked and [his]217-ron determination to find out what [Draco Malfoy]170-malfoy was up to , [Harry]136-harry had almost forgotten about the memory [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had asked [him]136-harry to extract from [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn . " Well , [I]146-dumbledore asked [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn about it at the end of Potions , [sir]985-sir , but , er , [he]216-slughorn would n't give it to [me]146-dumbledore . "[146-dumbledore] There was a little silence . " [I]146-dumbledore see , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore eventually , peering at [Harry]136-harry over the top of [his]146-dumbledore half - moon spectacles and giving [Harry]136-harry the usual sensation that [he]136-harry was being X - rayed . " And [you]136-harry feel that [you]136-harry have exerted [your]136-harry very best efforts in this matter , do [you]136-harry ? That [you]136-harry have exercised all of [your]136-harry considerable ingenuity ? That [you]136-harry have left no depth of cunning unplumbed in [your]136-harry quest to retrieve the memory ? "[136-harry] " Well , "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry stalled , at a loss for what to say next . [His]136-harry single attempt to get hold of the memory suddenly seemed embarrassingly feeble . " Well . . . the day [Ron]217-ron swallowed love potion by mistake [I]136-harry took [him]217-ron to [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn . [I]136-harry thought maybe if [I]136-harry got [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn in a good enough mood — "[136-harry] " And did that work ? "[146-dumbledore] asked [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " Well , no , [sir]985-sir , because [Ron]217-ron got poisoned — "[146-dumbledore] " — which , naturally , made [you]136-harry forget all about trying to retrieve the memory ; [I]146-dumbledore would have expected nothing else , while [[your]136-harry best friend]6223-your best friend was in danger . Once it became clear that [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley was going to make a full recovery , however , [I]146-dumbledore would have hoped that [you]136-harry returned to the task [I]146-dumbledore set [you]136-harry . [I]146-dumbledore thought [I]146-dumbledore made it clear to [you]136-harry how very important that memory is . Indeed , [I]146-dumbledore did [my]146-dumbledore best to impress upon [you]136-harry that it is the most crucial memory of all and that [we]6224-we will be wasting [our]6224-we time without it . "[146-dumbledore] A hot , prickly feeling of shame spread from the top of [Harry]136-harry ’s head all the way down [his]136-harry body . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had not raised [his]146-dumbledore voice , [he]146-dumbledore did not even sound angry , but [Harry]136-harry would have preferred [him]146-dumbledore to yell ; this cold disappointment was worse than anything . " [Sir]985-sir , "[146-dumbledore] [he]146-dumbledore said , a little desperately , " it is n't that [I]146-dumbledore was n't bothered or anything , [I]146-dumbledore 've just had other — other things . . . "[146-dumbledore] " Other things on [your]136-harry mind , "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore finished the sentence for [him]136-harry . " [I]146-dumbledore see . "[146-dumbledore] Silence fell between [them]2967-them again , the most uncomfortable silence [Harry]136-harry had ever experienced with [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ; it seemed to go on and on , punctuated only by the little grunting snores of the portrait of [Armando Dippet]537-armando dippet over [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's head . [Harry]136-harry felt strangely diminished , as though [he]136-harry had shrunk a little since [he]136-harry had entered [the room]685-the room . When [he]136-harry could stand it no longer [he]136-harry said , " [Professor Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , [I]136-harry 'm really sorry . [I]136-harry should have done more . ... [I]136-harry should have realized [you]146-dumbledore would n't have asked [me]136-harry to do it if it was n't really important . "[136-harry] " Thank [you]136-harry for saying that , [Harry]136-harry , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore quietly . " May [I]146-dumbledore hope , then , that [you]136-harry will give this matter higher priority from now on ? There will be little point in [our]6226-we meeting after tonight unless [we]6226-we have that memory . "[146-dumbledore] " [I]146-dumbledore 'll do it , [sir]985-sir , [I]146-dumbledore 'll get it from [him]146-dumbledore , "[146-dumbledore] [he]146-dumbledore said earnestly . " Then [we]6226-we shall say no more about it just now , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore more kindly , " but continue with [our]6226-we story where [we]6226-we left off . [You]136-harry remember where that was ? "[146-dumbledore] " Yes , [sir]985-sir , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry quickly . " [Voldemort]192-voldemort killed [[his]192-voldemort father]904-his father and [[his]192-voldemort grandparents]6230-his grandparents and made it look as though [[his]192-voldemort Uncle]4586-his uncle [Morfin]506-morfin did it . Then [he]192-voldemort went back to [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts and [he]192-voldemort asked ... [he]192-voldemort asked [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn about Horcruxes , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry mumbled shamefacedly . " Very good , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " Now , [you]136-harry will remember , [I]146-dumbledore hope , that [I]146-dumbledore told [you]136-harry at the very outset of these meetings of [ours]6232-ours that [we]6232-ours would be entering the realms of guesswork and speculation ? "[146-dumbledore] “ Yes , [sir]985-sir ”[146-dumbledore] . " Thus far , as [I]136-harry hope [you]136-harry agree , [I]136-harry have shown [you]136-harry reasonably firm sources of fact for [my]136-harry deductions as to what [Voldemort]192-voldemort did until the age of seventeen ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry nodded . " But now , [Harry]136-harry , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , " now things become murkier and stranger . If it was difficult to find evidence about [the boy Riddle]6234-the boy riddle , it has been almost impossible to find [anyone]660-anyone prepared to reminisce about [the man]874-the man [Voldemort]192-voldemort . In fact , [I]146-dumbledore doubt whether there is [a soul alive , apart from [himself]192-voldemort , who could give [us]6232-ours a full account of [his]192-voldemort life since [he]192-voldemort left [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts]6237-a soul alive , apart from himself , who could give us a full account of his life since he left hogwarts . However , [I]146-dumbledore have two last memories that [I]146-dumbledore would like to share with [you]136-harry . "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore indicated the two little crystal bottles gleaming beside the Pensieve . " [I]146-dumbledore shall then be glad of [your]136-harry opinion as to whether the conclusions [I]146-dumbledore have drawn from them seem likely . "[146-dumbledore] The idea that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore valued [his]146-dumbledore opinion this highly made [Harry]136-harry feel even more deeply ashamed that [he]136-harry had failed in the task of retrieving the Horcrux memory , and [he]136-harry shifted guiltily in [his]136-harry seat as [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore raised the first of the two bottles to the light and examined it . " [I]146-dumbledore hope [you]136-harry are not tired of diving into [other people]5616-other people 's memories , for [they]5616-other people are curious recollections , these two , "[146-dumbledore] [he]146-dumbledore said . " This first one came from [a very old house - elf by the name of [Hokey]538-hokey]6239-a very old house - elf by the name of hokey . Before [we]6240-we see what [Hokey]538-hokey witnessed , [I]146-dumbledore must quickly recount how [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort left [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts . "[146-dumbledore] [He]136-harry reached the seventh year of [his]136-harry schooling with , as [you]2969-you might have expected , top grades in every examination [he]136-harry had taken . All around [him]136-harry , [[his]136-harry classmates]1895-his classmates were deciding which jobs [they]1895-his classmates were to pursue once [they]1895-his classmates had left [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts . [Nearly everybody]2971-nearly everybody expected spectacular things from [Tom Riddle]379-riddle , [prefect]1442-prefect , [Head Boy]2973-head boy , winner of the Award for Special Services to [the School]1525-the school . [I]0-i know that [several teachers]2975-several teachers , [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn amongst [them]2975-several teachers , suggested that [he]136-harry join [the Ministry of Magic]716-the ministry of magic , offered to set up appointments , put [him]136-harry in touch with useful contacts . [He]136-harry refused all offers . The next thing [the staff]4724-the staff knew , [Voldemort]192-voldemort was working at Borgin and [Burkes]281-burkes . " "[192-voldemort] At [Borgin]280-borgin and [Burkes]281-burkes ? " [Harry]136-harry repeated , stunned . "[192-voldemort] At [Borgin]280-borgin and [Burkes]281-burkes , " repeated [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore calmly . "[192-voldemort] [I]0-i think [you]2978-you will see what attractions the place held for [him]136-harry when [we]2979-we have entered [Hokey]538-hokey 's memory . But this was not [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's first choice of job . [Hardly anyone]2980-hardly anyone knew of it at the time — [I]0-i was one of the few in whom [the then headmaster]2981-the then headmaster confided — but [Voldemort]192-voldemort first approached [Professor Dippet]539-professor dippet and asked whether [he]192-voldemort could remain at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts as [a teacher]4686-a teacher . " "[192-voldemort] [He]192-voldemort wanted to stay [here]4439-here ? Why ? " asked [Harry]136-harry , more amazed still . "[192-voldemort] [I]0-i believe [he]192-voldemort had several reasons , though [he]192-voldemort confided none of them to [Professor Dippet]539-professor dippet , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[192-voldemort] Firstly , and very importantly , [Voldemort]192-voldemort was , [I]0-i believe , more attached to [this school]5528-this school than [he]192-voldemort has ever been to [a person]2985-a person . [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts was where [he]192-voldemort had been happiest ; [the first and only place [he]192-voldemort had felt at [home]1044-home]2986-the first and only place he had felt at home . " [Harry]136-harry felt slightly uncomfortable at these words , for this was exactly how [he]136-harry felt about [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts too . "[192-voldemort] Secondly , [the castle]4540-the castle is [a stronghold of ancient magic]2989-a stronghold of ancient magic . Undoubtedly [Voldemort]192-voldemort had penetrated many more of [its]5528-this school secrets than [most of [the students who pass through the place]2991-the students who pass through the place]2990-most of the students who pass through the place , but [he]192-voldemort may have felt that there were still mysteries to unravel , stores of magic to tap . " And thirdly , as [a teacher]4686-a teacher , [he]192-voldemort would have had great power and influence over [young witches]6242-young witches and [wizards]713-wizards . Perhaps [he]192-voldemort had gained the idea from [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn , [the teacher with whom [he]192-voldemort was on best terms , who had demonstrated how influential a role [a teacher]4686-a teacher can play]6244-the teacher with whom he was on best terms , who had demonstrated how influential a role a teacher can play . [I]192-voldemort do not imagine for an instant that [Voldemort]192-voldemort envisaged spending the rest of [his]192-voldemort life at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , but [I]192-voldemort do think that [he]192-voldemort saw [it]5528-this school as [a useful recruiting ground]6246-a useful recruiting ground , and a place where [he]192-voldemort might begin to build [himself]192-voldemort an army . "[192-voldemort] " But [he]192-voldemort did n't get the job , [sir]985-sir ? "[192-voldemort] " No , [he]192-voldemort did not . [Professor Dippet]539-professor dippet told [him]192-voldemort that [he]192-voldemort was too young at eighteen , but invited [him]192-voldemort to reapply in a few years , if [he]192-voldemort still wished to teach . "[192-voldemort] " How did [you]146-dumbledore feel about that , [sir]985-sir ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry hesitantly . " Deeply uneasy , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [I]146-dumbledore had advised [Armando]537-armando dippet against the appointment — [I]146-dumbledore did not give the reasons [I]146-dumbledore have given [you]136-harry , for [Professor Dippet]539-professor dippet was very fond of [Voldemort]192-voldemort and convinced of [his]192-voldemort honesty . But [I]146-dumbledore did not want [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort back at [this school]5528-this school , and especially not in a position of power . "[146-dumbledore] " Which job did [he]192-voldemort want , [sir]985-sir ? What subject did [he]192-voldemort want to teach ? "[146-dumbledore] Somehow , [Harry]136-harry knew the answer even before [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore gave it . " Defense Against [the Dark Arts]250-the dark arts . It was being taught at the time by [an old Professor]6251-an old professor by the name of [Galatea Merrythought]540-galatea merrythought , who had been at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts for nearly fifty years . "[146-dumbledore] So [Voldemort]192-voldemort went off to [Borgin]280-borgin and [Burkes]281-burkes , and [all the staff who had admired [him]192-voldemort]2992-all the staff who had admired him said what a waste it was , [a brilliant young wizard like that]2993-a brilliant young wizard like that , working in [a shop]2994-a shop . However , [Voldemort]192-voldemort was [no mere assistant]2995-no mere assistant . Polite and handsome and clever , [he]192-voldemort was soon given particular jobs of the type that only exist in [a place like [Borgin]280-borgin and [Burkes]281-burkes]2996-a place like borgin and burkes , which specializes , as [you]2997-you know , [Harry]136-harry , in objects with unusual and powerful properties . [Voldemort]192-voldemort was sent to persuade [people]681-people to part with [their]681-people treasures for sale by [the partners]2999-the partners , and [he]192-voldemort was , by all accounts , unusually gifted at doing this . " "[192-voldemort] [I]0-i 'll bet [he]192-voldemort was , " said [Harry]136-harry , unable to contain [himself]136-harry . "[192-voldemort] Well , quite , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , with a faint smile . "[192-voldemort] And now it is time to hear from [Hokey]538-hokey [the house - elf , who worked for [a very old , very rich witch]3001-a very old , very rich witch by the name of [Hepzibah Smith]541-hepzibah]3000-the house - elf , who worked for a very old , very rich witch by the name of hepzibah smith . " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore tapped a bottle with [his]146-dumbledore wand , the cork flew out , and [he]146-dumbledore tipped the swirling memory into the Pensieve , saying as [he]146-dumbledore did so , "[541-hepzibah] After [you]136-harry , [Harry]136-harry . " [Harry]136-harry got to [his]136-harry feet and bent once more over the rippling silver contents of the stone basin until [his]136-harry face touched them . [He]136-harry tumbled through dark nothingness and landed in [a sitting room]6252-a sitting room in front of [an immensely fat old lady wearing an elaborate ginger wig and a brilliant pink set of robes that flowed all around [her]6253-an immensely fat old lady wearing an elaborate ginger wig and a brilliant pink set of robes that flowed all around her , giving her the look of a melting iced cake , giving [her]6253-an immensely fat old lady wearing an elaborate ginger wig and a brilliant pink set of robes that flowed all around her , giving her the look of a melting iced cake the look of a melting iced cake]6253-an immensely fat old lady wearing an elaborate ginger wig and a brilliant pink set of robes that flowed all around her , giving her the look of a melting iced cake . [She]6253-an immensely fat old lady wearing an elaborate ginger wig and a brilliant pink set of robes that flowed all around her , giving her the look of a melting iced cake was looking into a small jeweled mirror and dabbing rouge onto [her]6253-an immensely fat old lady wearing an elaborate ginger wig and a brilliant pink set of robes that flowed all around her , giving her the look of a melting iced cake already scarlet cheeks with a large powder puff , while [the tiniest and oldest house - elf]6254-the tiniest and oldest house - elf [Harry]136-harry had ever seen laced [her]6253-an immensely fat old lady wearing an elaborate ginger wig and a brilliant pink set of robes that flowed all around her , giving her the look of a melting iced cake fleshy feet into tight satin slippers . "[136-harry] Hurry up , [Hokey]538-hokey ! " said [Hepzibah]541-hepzibah imperiously . "[3002-he] [He]3002-he said [he]3002-he 'd come at four , it 's only a couple of minutes to and [he]3002-he 's never been late yet ! " [She]6253-an immensely fat old lady wearing an elaborate ginger wig and a brilliant pink set of robes that flowed all around her , giving her the look of a melting iced cake tucked away [her]6253-an immensely fat old lady wearing an elaborate ginger wig and a brilliant pink set of robes that flowed all around her , giving her the look of a melting iced cake powder puff as [the house - elf]4612-the house - elf straightened up . The top of [the elf]6256-the elf 's head barely reached the seat of [Hepzibah]541-hepzibah 's chair , and [her]6253-an immensely fat old lady wearing an elaborate ginger wig and a brilliant pink set of robes that flowed all around her , giving her the look of a melting iced cake papery skin hung off [her]6253-an immensely fat old lady wearing an elaborate ginger wig and a brilliant pink set of robes that flowed all around her , giving her the look of a melting iced cake frame just like the crisp linen sheet [she]6253-an immensely fat old lady wearing an elaborate ginger wig and a brilliant pink set of robes that flowed all around her , giving her the look of a melting iced cake wore draped like a toga . "[3002-he] How do [I]0-i look ? " said [Hepzibah]541-hepzibah , turning [her]6253-an immensely fat old lady wearing an elaborate ginger wig and a brilliant pink set of robes that flowed all around her , giving her the look of a melting iced cake head to admire the various angles of [her]6253-an immensely fat old lady wearing an elaborate ginger wig and a brilliant pink set of robes that flowed all around her , giving her the look of a melting iced cake face in the mirror . "[0-i] Lovely , [madam]4866-madam , " squeaked [Hokey]538-hokey . [Harry]136-harry could only assume that it was down in [Hokey]538-hokey ’s contract that [she]6253-an immensely fat old lady wearing an elaborate ginger wig and a brilliant pink set of robes that flowed all around her , giving her the look of a melting iced cake must lie through [her]6253-an immensely fat old lady wearing an elaborate ginger wig and a brilliant pink set of robes that flowed all around her , giving her the look of a melting iced cake teeth when asked this question , because [Hepzibah Smith]541-hepzibah looked a long way from lovely in [his]136-harry opinion . A tinkling doorbell rang and [both mistress and elf]6257-both mistress and elf jumped . "[4866-madam] Quick , quick , [he]3004-he 's [here]4439-here , [Hokey]538-hokey ! " cried [Hepzibah]541-hepzibah and [the elf]6256-the elf scurried out of [the room]685-the room , which was so crammed with objects that it was difficult to see how [anybody]665-anybody could navigate [their]665-anybody way across [it]685-the room without knocking over at least a dozen things : There were cabinets full of little lacquered boxes , cases full of gold - embossed books , shelves of orbs and celestial globes , and many flourishing potted plants in brass containers . In fact , [the room]685-the room looked like a cross between [a magical antique shop]6262-a magical antique shop and [a conservatory]6263-a conservatory . [The house - elf]4612-the house - elf returned within minutes , followed by [a tall young man]6265-a tall young man [Harry]136-harry had no difficulty whatsoever in recognizing as [Voldemort]192-voldemort . [He]192-voldemort was plainly dressed in a black suit ; [his]192-voldemort hair was a little longer than it had been at [school]4622-school and [his]192-voldemort cheeks were hollowed , but all of this suited [him]192-voldemort ; [he]192-voldemort looked more handsome than ever . [He]192-voldemort picked [his]192-voldemort way through [the cramped room]6267-the cramped room with an air that showed [he]192-voldemort had visited many times before and bowed low over [Hepzibah]541-hepzibah 's fat little hand , brushing it with [his]192-voldemort lips . "[0-i] [I]0-i brought [you]3006-you flowers , " [he]192-voldemort said quietly , producing a bunch of roses from nowhere . "[0-i] [[You]3006-you naughty boy]3007-you naughty boy , [you]3006-you should n't have ! " squealed [old Hepzibah]541-hepzibah , though [Harry]136-harry noticed that [she]3008-this old lady had an empty vase standing ready on the nearest little table . "[3006-you] [You]3006-you do spoil [this old lady]3008-this old lady , [Tom]379-riddle . ... Sit down , sit down . . . . Where 's [Hokey]538-hokey ? Ah ... " [The house - elf]4612-the house - elf had come dashing back into [the room]685-the room carrying a tray of little cakes , which [she]4612-the house - elf set at [[her]4612-the house - elf mistress]6270-her mistress 's elbow . "[538-hokey] Help [yourself]379-riddle , [Tom]379-riddle , " said [Hepzibah]541-hepzibah , "[379-riddle] [I]0-i know how [you]379-riddle love [my]0-i cakes . Now , how are [you]379-riddle ? [You]379-riddle look pale . [They]3009-they overwork [you]379-riddle at [that shop]3010-that shop , [I]0-i 've said it a hundred times . ... " [Voldemort]192-voldemort smiled mechanically and [Hepzibah]541-hepzibah simpered . .| , ! "[0-i] Well , what 's [your]379-riddle excuse for visiting this time ? " [she]6271-she asked , bat - ring [her]6271-she lashes . "[542-mr. burke] [Mr. Burke]542-mr. burke would like to make an improved offer for the goblin - made armor , " said [Voldemort]192-voldemort . "[542-mr. burke] [Five hundred Galleons]3011-five hundred galleons , [he]542-mr. burke feels it is a more than fair — " "[542-mr. burke] Now , now , not so fast , or [I]0-i ’ll think [you]379-riddle 're only here for [my]0-i trinkets ! " pouted [Hepzibah]541-hepzibah . "[379-riddle] [I]0-i am ordered [here]4439-here because of them , " said [Voldemort]192-voldemort quietly . "[379-riddle] [I]0-i am only [a poor assistant]3013-a poor assistant , [madam]4866-madam , who must do as [he]542-mr. burke is told . [Mr. Burke]542-mr. burke wishes [me]0-i to inquire — " "[542-mr. burke] Oh , [Mr. Burke]542-mr. burke , phooey ! " said [Hepzibah]541-hepzibah , waving a little hand . "[542-mr. burke] [I]0-i 've something to show [you]542-mr. burke that [I]0-i 've never shown [Mr. Burke]542-mr. burke ! Can [you]542-mr. burke keep a secret , [Tom]379-riddle ? Will [you]542-mr. burke promise [you]542-mr. burke wo n't tell [Mr. Burke]542-mr. burke [I]0-i 've got it ? [He]542-mr. burke 'd never let [me]0-i rest if [he]542-mr. burke knew [I]0-i 'd shown it to [you]542-mr. burke , and [I]0-i 'm not selling , not to [Burke]542-mr. burke , not to [anyone]660-anyone ! But [you]542-mr. burke , [Tom]379-riddle , [you]542-mr. burke 'll appreciate it for its history , not how many Galleons [you]542-mr. burke can get for it . " "[0-i] [I]0-i 'd be glad to see anything [Miss Hepzibah]543-hepzibah shows [me]0-i , " said [Voldemort]192-voldemort quietly , and [Hepzibah]543-hepzibah gave another girlish giggle . "[543-hepzibah] [I]0-i had [Hokey]538-hokey bring it out for [me]0-i . . . [Hokey]538-hokey , where are [you]538-hokey ? [I]0-i want to show [Mr. Riddle]544-mr. riddle [our]3016-our finest treasure . ... In fact , bring both , while [you]538-hokey 're at it . ... " "[4866-madam] Here , [madam]4866-madam , " squeaked [the house - elf]4612-the house - elf , and [Harry]136-harry saw two leather boxes , one on top of the other , moving across [the room]685-the room as if of [their]3016-our own volition , though [he]136-harry knew [the tiny elf]6274-the tiny elf was holding them over [her]6274-the tiny elf head as [she]6274-the tiny elf wended [her]6274-the tiny elf way between tables , * * * pouffes , and footstools . "[4866-madam] Now , " said [Hepzibah]543-hepzibah happily , taking the boxes from [the elf]6256-the elf , laying them in [her]543-hepzibah lap , and preparing to open the topmost one , "[4866-madam] [I]0-i think [you]538-hokey 'll like this , [Tom]379-riddle . . . . Oh , if [[my]0-i family]3018-my family knew [I]0-i was showing [you]538-hokey . . . . [They]3018-my family ca n't wait to get [their]3018-my family hands on this ! " [She]543-hepzibah opened the lid . [Harry]136-harry edged forward a little to get a better view and saw what looked like a small golden cup with two finely wrought handles . "[3018-my family] [I]0-i wonder whether [you]538-hokey know what it is , [Tom]379-riddle ? Pick it up , have a good look ! " whispered [Hepzibah]543-hepzibah , and [Voldemort]192-voldemort stretched out a long - fingered hand and lifted the cup by one handle out of its snug silken wrappings . [Harry]136-harry thought [he]136-harry saw a red gleam in [his]136-harry dark eyes . [His]136-harry greedy expression was curiously mirrored on [Hepzibah]543-hepzibah ’s face , except that [her]543-hepzibah tiny eyes were fixed upon [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's handsome features . "[3019-a badger] [A badger]3019-a badger , " murmured [Voldemort]192-voldemort , examining the engraving upon the cup . "[3019-a badger] Then this was . . . ? " "[545-hufflepuff] [Helga Hufflepuff]545-hufflepuff 's , as [you]538-hokey very well know , [[you]538-hokey clever boy]3020-you clever boy ! " said [Hepzibah]543-hepzibah , leaning forward with a loud creaking of corsets and actually pinching [his]192-voldemort hollow cheek . "[545-hufflepuff] Did n't [I]0-i tell [you]538-hokey [I]0-i was distantly descended ? This has been handed down in [the family]4795-the family for years and years . Lovely , is n't it ? And all sorts of powers it 's supposed to possess too , but [I]0-i have n't tested them thoroughly , [I]0-i just keep it nice and safe in [here]4439-here . . . . " [She]543-hepzibah hooked the cup back off [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's long forefinger and restored it gently to its box , too intent upon settling it carefully back into position to notice the shadow that crossed [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's face as the cup was taken away . "[0-i] Now then , " said [Hepzibah]543-hepzibah happily , "[0-i] where ’s [Hokey]538-hokey ? Oh yes , there [you]538-hokey are — take that away now , [Hokey]538-hokey . " [The elf]6256-the elf obediently took the boxed cup , and [Hepzibah]543-hepzibah turned [her]543-hepzibah attention to the much flatter box in [her]543-hepzibah lap . "[538-hokey] [I]0-i think [you]538-hokey 'll like this even more , [Tom]379-riddle , " [she]543-hepzibah whispered . "[379-riddle] Lean in a little , [dear boy]5779-dear boy , so [you]538-hokey can see . . . . Of course , [Burke]542-mr. burke knows [I]0-i 've got this one , [I]0-i bought it from [him]542-mr. burke , and [I]0-i daresay [he]542-mr. burke 'd love to get it back when [I]0-i 'm gone . ... " [She]543-hepzibah slid back the fine filigree clasp and flipped open the box . There upon the smooth crimson velvet lay a heavy golden locket . [Voldemort]192-voldemort reached out [his]192-voldemort hand , without invitation this time , and held it up to the light , staring at it . "[542-mr. burke] [Slytherin]434-slytherin 's mark , " [he]192-voldemort said quietly , as the light played upon an ornate , serpentine S. "[542-mr. burke] That 's right ! " said [Hepzibah]543-hepzibah , delighted , apparently , at the sight of [Voldemort]192-voldemort gazing at [her]543-hepzibah locket , transfixed . "[0-i] [I]0-i had to pay an arm and a leg for it , but [I]0-i could n't let it pass , not a real treasure like that , had to have it for [my]0-i collection . [Burke]542-mr. burke bought it , apparently , from [a ragged - looking woman who seemed to have stolen it , but had no idea of its true value]3024-a ragged - looking woman who seemed to have stolen it , but had no idea of its true value — " There was no mistaking it this time : [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's eyes flashed scarlet at the words , and [Harry]136-harry saw [his]136-harry knuckles whiten on the locket 's chain . "[3024-a ragged - looking woman who seemed to have stolen it , but had no idea of its true value] — [I]0-i daresay [Burke]542-mr. burke paid [her]3024-a ragged - looking woman who seemed to have stolen it , but had no idea of its true value a pittance but there [you]3025-you are . . . . Pretty , is n't it ? And again , all kinds of powers attributed to it , though [I]0-i just keep it nice and safe . . . . " [She]543-hepzibah reached out to take the locket back . For a moment , [Harry]136-harry thought [Voldemort]192-voldemort was not going to let go of it , but then it had slid through [his]136-harry fingers and was back in its red velvet cushion . “[0-i] So there [you]3025-you are , [Tom]379-riddle , clear , and [I]0-i hope [you]3025-you enjoyed that ! ” [She]543-hepzibah looked [him]136-harry full in the face and for the first time , [Harry]136-harry saw [her]543-hepzibah foolish smile falter . "[0-i] Are [you]3025-you all right , [dear]4656-dear ? " "[4656-dear] Oh yes , " said [Voldemort]192-voldemort quietly . "[4656-dear] Yes , [I]0-i 'm very well . ... " “[0-i] [I]0-i thought — but a trick of the light , [I]0-i suppose — " said [Hepzibah]543-hepzibah , looking unnerved , and [Harry]136-harry guessed that [she]543-hepzibah too had seen the momentary red gleam in [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's eyes . "[0-i] Here , [Hokey]538-hokey , take these away and lock them up again . ... The usual enchantments ... " "[0-i] Time to leave , [Harry]136-harry , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore quietly , and as [the in tie elf]6277-the in tie elf bobbed away bearing the boxes , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore grasped [Harry]136-harry once again above the elbow and together [they]6278-they rose up through oblivion and back to [[Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's office]4815-dumbledore 's office . "[136-harry] [Hepzibah Smith]541-hepzibah died two days after that little scene , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , resuming [his]146-dumbledore seat and indicating that [Harry]136-harry should do the same . "[538-hokey] [Hokey]538-hokey [the house - elf]4612-the house - elf was convicted by [the Ministry]4400-the ministry of poisoning [[her]538-hokey mistress]6270-her mistress 's evening cocoa by accident . " "[4612-the house - elf] No way ! " said [Harry]136-harry angrily . "[0-i] [I]0-i see [we]3030-we are of one mind , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[0-i] Certainly , then are many similarities between this death and that of the Riddles . In both cases , [somebody else]1515-somebody else took the blame , [someone who had a clear memory of having caused the death]3032-someone who had a clear memory of having caused the death — " "[1515-somebody else] [Hokey]538-hokey confessed ? " "[538-hokey] [She]538-hokey remembered putting something in [[her]538-hokey mistress]6270-her mistress 's cocoa that turned out not to be sugar , but a lethal and little - known poison , said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " It was concluded that [she]538-hokey had not meant to do it , but being old and confused — "[146-dumbledore] " [Voldemort]192-voldemort modified [her]538-hokey memory , just like [he]192-voldemort did with [Morfin]506-morfin ! "[146-dumbledore] " Yes , that is [my]146-dumbledore conclusion too , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " And , just as with [Morfin]506-morfin , [the Ministry]4400-the ministry was predisposed to suspect [Hokey]538-hokey — "[146-dumbledore] " — because [she]538-hokey was [a house - elf]4610-a house - elf , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . [He]136-harry had rarely felt more in sympathy with [the society [Hermione]3035-her had set up]3034-the society hermione had set up , S.P.E.W. " Precisely , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [She]538-hokey was old , [she]538-hokey admitted to having tampered with the drink , and [nobody at the Ministry]6282-nobody at the ministry bothered to inquire further . As in the case of [Morfin]506-morfin , by the time [I]146-dumbledore traced [her]538-hokey and managed to extract this memory , [her]538-hokey life was almost over — but [her]538-hokey memory , of course , proves nothing except that [Voldemort]192-voldemort knew of the existence of the cup and the locket . "[146-dumbledore] By the time [Hokey]538-hokey was convicted , [[Hepzibah]541-hepzibah 's family]3036-hepzibah 's family had realized that two of [her]3035-her greatest treasures were missing . It took [them]3036-hepzibah 's family a while to be sure of this , for [she]3035-her had many hiding places , having always guarded [her]3035-her collection most jealously . But before [they]3036-hepzibah 's family were sure beyond doubt that the cup and the locket were both gone , [the assistant who had worked at [Borgin]280-borgin and [Burkes]281-burkes]3037-the assistant who had worked at borgin and burkes , [the young man who had visited [Hepzibah]541-hepzibah so regularly and charmed [her]3035-her so well]3038-the young man who had visited hepzibah so regularly and charmed her so well , had resigned [his]3037-the assistant who had worked at borgin and burkes post and vanished . [[His]3037-the assistant who had worked at borgin and burkes superiors]3039-his superiors had no idea where [he]3037-the assistant who had worked at borgin and burkes had gone ; [they]3039-his superiors were as surprised as [anyone]660-anyone at [his]3037-the assistant who had worked at borgin and burkes disappearance . And that was the last that was seen or heard of [Tom Riddle]379-riddle for a very long time . " Now , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , " if [you]6283-you do n't mind , [Harry]136-harry , [I]146-dumbledore want to pause once more to draw [your]6283-you attention to certain points of [our]6284-our story . [Voldemort]192-voldemort had committed another murder ; whether it was [his]192-voldemort first since [he]192-voldemort killed [the Riddles]500-the riddles , [I]146-dumbledore do not know , but [I]146-dumbledore think it was . This time , as [you]6283-you will have seen , [he]192-voldemort killed not for revenge , but for gain . [He]192-voldemort wanted the two fabulous trophies [that poor , besotted , old woman]6285-that poor , besotted , old woman showed [him]192-voldemort . Just as [he]192-voldemort had once robbed [the other children at [[his]192-voldemort orphanage]6287-his orphanage]6286-the other children at his orphanage , just as [he]192-voldemort had stolen [his]192-voldemort Uncle [Morfin]506-morfin ’s ring , so [he]192-voldemort ran off now with [Hepzibahs]546-hepzibahs cup and locket . "[146-dumbledore] " But , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , frowning , " it seems mad . . . . Risking everything , throwing away [his]192-voldemort job , just for those . . . "[136-harry] " Mad to [you]136-harry , perhaps , but not to [Voldemort]192-voldemort , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [I]146-dumbledore hope [you]136-harry will understand in due course exactly what those objects meant to [him]192-voldemort , [Harry]136-harry , but [you]136-harry must admit that it is not difficult to imagine that [he]192-voldemort saw the locket , at least , as rightfully [his]192-voldemort . "[146-dumbledore] " The locket maybe , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , " but why take the cup as well ? "[136-harry] " It had belonged to [another of [Hogwarts ’s founders]6289-hogwarts ’s founders]6288-another of hogwarts ’s founders , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [I]146-dumbledore think [he]192-voldemort still felt a great pull toward [the school]1525-the school and that [he]192-voldemort could not resist an object so steeped in [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts history . There were other reasons , [I]146-dumbledore think . ... [I]146-dumbledore hope to be able to demonstrate them to [you]136-harry in due course . "[146-dumbledore] And now for the very last recollection [I]0-i have to show [you]136-harry , at least until [you]136-harry manage to retrieve [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn 's memory for [us]3041-us . Ten years separates [Hokey]538-hokey ’s memory and this one , ten years during which [we]3041-us can only guess at what [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort was doing . . . . " [Harry]136-harry got to [his]136-harry feet once more as [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore emptied the last memory into the Pensieve . "[192-voldemort] Whose memory is it ? " [he]146-dumbledore asked . "[0-i] [Mine]0-i , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . And [Harry]136-harry dived after [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore through the shifting silver mass , landing in [the very office [he]136-harry had just left]6291-the very office he had just left . There was [Fawkes]365-fawkes slumbering happily on [his]365-fawkes perch , and there behind the desk was [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , who looked very similar to [the Dumbledore]146-dumbledore standing beside [Harry]136-harry , though both hands were whole and undamaged and [his]146-dumbledore face was , perhaps , a little less lined . The one difference between [the present - day office]5611-the present - day office and this one was that it was snowing in the past ; bluish flecks were drifting past the window in the dark and building up on the outside ledge . [The younger Dumbledore]146-dumbledore seemed to be waiting for something , and sure enough , moments after [their]3041-us arrival , there was a knock on the door and [he]146-dumbledore said , "[0-i] Enter . " [Harry]136-harry let out a hastily stifled gasp . [Voldemort]192-voldemort had entered [the room]685-the room . [His]146-dumbledore features were not those [Harry]136-harry had seen emerge from [the great stone cauldron]6294-the great stone cauldron almost two years ago : They were not as snake - like , the eyes were not yet scarlet , the face not yet masklike , and yet [he]146-dumbledore was no longer handsome [Tom Riddle]379-riddle . It was as though [his]146-dumbledore features had been burned and blurred ; they were waxy and oddly distorted , and the whites of the eyes now had a permanently bloody look , though the pupils were not yet the slits that [Harry]136-harry knew they would become . [He]146-dumbledore was wearing a long black cloak , and [his]146-dumbledore face was as pale as the snow glistening on [his]146-dumbledore shoulders . [The Dumbledore behind the desk]6295-the dumbledore behind the desk showed no sign of surprise . Evidently this visit had been made by appointment . "[0-i] Good evening , [Tom]379-riddle , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore easily . "[379-riddle] Wo n't [you]379-riddle sit down ? " "[379-riddle] Thank [you]379-riddle , " said [Voldemort]192-voldemort , and [he]192-voldemort took the seat to which [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had gestured — the very seat , by the looks of it , that [Harry]136-harry had just vacated in the present . "[379-riddle] [I]0-i heard that [you]379-riddle had become [headmaster]2562-headmaster , " [he]0-i said , and [his]0-i voice was slightly higher and colder than it had been . "[2562-headmaster] A worthy choice . " "[2562-headmaster] [I]0-i am glad [you]379-riddle approve , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , smiling . "[379-riddle] May [I]0-i offer [you]379-riddle a drink ? " "[0-i] That would be welcome , " said [Voldemort]192-voldemort . "[0-i] [I]0-i have come a long way . " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore stood and swept over to the cabinet where [he]146-dumbledore now kept the Pensieve , but which then was full of bottles . Having handed [Voldemort]192-voldemort a goblet of wine and poured one for [himself]146-dumbledore , [he]146-dumbledore returned to the seat behind [his]146-dumbledore desk . . "[0-i] So , [Tom]379-riddle ... to what do [I]0-i owe the pleasure ? " [Voldemort]192-voldemort did not answer at once , but merely sipped [his]192-voldemort wine . "[3043-they] [They]3043-they do not call [me]0-i ' [Tom]379-riddle ' anymore , " [he]192-voldemort said . "[3043-they] These days , [1]0-i am known as — " "[0-i] [I]0-i know what [you]379-riddle are known as , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , smiling , pleasantly . "[0-i] But to [me]0-i , [I]0-i 'm afraid , [you]379-riddle will always be [Tom Riddle]379-riddle . It is one of the irritating things about [old teachers]3044-old teachers . [I]0-i am afraid that [they]3043-they never quite forget [[their]3043-they charges]3045-their charges ' youthful beginnings . " [He]0-i raised [his]0-i glass as though toasting [Voldemort]192-voldemort , whose face remained expressionless . Nevertheless , [Harry]136-harry felt the atmosphere in [the room]685-the room change subtly : [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's refusal to use [Voldemort]192-voldemort ’s chosen name was a refusal to allow [Voldemort]192-voldemort to dictate the terms of the meeting , and [Harry]136-harry could tell that [Voldemort]192-voldemort took it as such . "[3043-they] [I]0-i am surprised [you]379-riddle have remained [here]4439-here so long , " said [Voldemort]192-voldemort after a short pause . "[0-i] [I]0-i always wondered why [[a wizard]4450-a wizard such as [yourself]379-riddle]3048-a wizard such as yourself never wished to leave [school]4622-school . " "[379-riddle] Well , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , still smiling , "[379-riddle] to [a wizard such as [myself]0-i]3050-a wizard such as myself , there can be nothing more important than passing on ancient skills , helping hone young minds . If [I]0-i remember correctly , [you]379-riddle once saw the attraction of teaching too . " "[379-riddle] [I]0-i see it still , " said [Voldemort]192-voldemort . "[379-riddle] [I]0-i merely wondered why [you]379-riddle — who are so often asked for advice by [the Ministry]4400-the ministry , and who have twice , [I]0-i think , been offered the post of [Minister]5042-minister — " "[5042-minister] Three times at the last count , actually , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[5042-minister] But [the Ministry]4400-the ministry never attracted [me]0-i as a career . Again , something [we]3054-we have in common , [I]0-i think . " [Voldemort]192-voldemort inclined [his]192-voldemort head , unsmiling , and took another sip of wine . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore did not break the silence that stretched between [them]3054-we now , but waited , with a look of pleasant expectancy , for [Voldemort]192-voldemort to talk first . "[0-i] [I]0-i have returned , " [he]0-i said , after a little while , "[0-i] later , perhaps , than [Professor Dippet]539-professor dippet expected . . . but [I]0-i have returned , nevertheless , to request again what [he]539-professor dippet once told [me]0-i [I]0-i was too young to have . [I]0-i have come to [you]3055-you to ask that [you]3055-you permit [me]0-i to return to [this castle]3056-this castle , to teach . [I]0-i think [you]3055-you must know that [I]0-i have seen and done much since [I]0-i left [this place]4674-this place . [I]0-i could show and tell [[your]3055-you students]3058-your students things [they]3058-your students can gain from [no other wizard]3059-no other wizard . " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore considered [Voldemort]192-voldemort over the top of [his]192-voldemort own goblet for a while before speaking . "[0-i] Yes , [I]0-i certainly do know that [you]3055-you have seen and done much since leaving [us]3060-us , " [he]0-i said quietly . "[3055-you] Rumors of [your]3055-you doings have reached [[your]3055-you old school]3061-your old school , [Tom]379-riddle . [I]0-i should be sorry to believe half of them . " [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's expression remained impassive as [he]192-voldemort said , "[0-i] Greatness inspires envy , envy engenders spite , spite spawns lies . [You]3055-you must know this , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " "[3055-you] [You]3055-you call it ' greatness , ' what [you]3055-you have been doing , do [you]3055-you ? " asked [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore delicately . "[3055-you] Certainly , " said [Voldemort]192-voldemort , and [his]0-i eyes seemed to burn red . "[3055-you] [I]0-i have experimented ; [I]0-i have pushed the boundaries of magic further , perhaps , than they have ever been pushed — " "[0-i] Of some kinds of magic , " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore corrected [him]0-i quietly . "[0-i] Of [some . Of others]3062-some . of others , [you]3055-you remain . . . forgive [me]0-i . . . woefully ignorant . " For the first time , [Voldemort]192-voldemort smiled . It was a taut leer , an evil thing , more threatening than a look of rage . "[0-i] The old argument , " [he]0-i said softly . "[0-i] But nothing [I]0-i have seen in [the world]714-the world has supported [your]3055-you famous pronouncements that love is more powerful than [my]0-i kind of magic , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " "[146-dumbledore] Perhaps [you]3055-you have been looking in [the wrong places]3064-the wrong places , " suggested [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[3055-you] Well , then , what better place to start [my]0-i fresh researches than here , at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts ? " said [Voldemort]192-voldemort . "[3055-you] Will [you]3055-you let [me]0-i return ? Will [you]3055-you let [me]0-i share [my]0-i knowledge with [[your]3055-you students]3058-your students ? [I]0-i place [myself]0-i and [my]0-i talents at [your]3055-you disposal . [I]0-i am [yours]3055-you to command . " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore raised [his]146-dumbledore eyebrows . "[3055-you] And what will become of those whom [you]3055-you command ? What will happen to those who call [themselves]3066-themselves — or so rumor has it — [the Death Eaters]198-the death eaters ? " [Harry]136-harry could tell that [Voldemort]192-voldemort had not expected [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore to know this name ; [he]136-harry saw [Voldemort]192-voldemort ’s eyes flash red again and the slitlike nostrils flare . "[0-i] [[My]0-i friends]2763-my friends , " [he]0-i said , after a moment 's pause , "[0-i] will carry on without [me]0-i , [I]0-i am sure . " "[0-i] [I]0-i am glad to hear that [you]3055-you consider [them]2763-my friends [friends]5009-friends , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[3055-you] [I]0-i was under the impression that [they]2763-my friends are more in the order of [servants]3069-servants . " "[0-i] [You]3055-you are mistaken , " said [Voldemort]192-voldemort . "[3055-you] Then if [I]0-i were to go to [the Hog]547-the hog 's Head tonight , [I]0-i would not find a group of [them]2763-my friends — [Nott]315-nott , [Rosier]548-rosier , [Muldber]549-muldber , [Dolohov]550-dolohov — awaiting [your]3055-you return ? [Devoted friends]3070-devoted friends indeed , to travel this far with [you]3055-you on a snowy night , merely to wish [you]3055-you luck as [you]3055-you attempted to secure a teaching post . " There could be no doubt that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's detailed knowledge of those with whom [he]146-dumbledore was traveling was even less welcome to [Voldemort]192-voldemort ; however , [he]146-dumbledore rallied almost at once . "[3055-you] [You]3055-you are omniscient as ever , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " "[3055-you] Oh no , merely friendly with [the local barmen]3071-the local barmen , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore lightly . "[3055-you] Now , [Tom]379-riddle . . . " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore set down [his]146-dumbledore empty glass and drew [himself]146-dumbledore up in [his]146-dumbledore seat , the tips of [his]146-dumbledore fingers together in a very characteristic gesture . "[379-riddle] Let [us]3072-us speak openly . Why have [you]3055-you come here tonight , surrounded by [henchmen]3073-henchmen , to request a job [we]3072-us both know [you]3055-you do not want ? " [Voldemort]192-voldemort looked coldly surprised . "[146-dumbledore] A job [I]0-i do not want ? On the contrary , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , [I]0-i want it very much . " "[146-dumbledore] Oh , [you]3055-you want to come back to [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , but [you]3055-you do not want to teach any more than [you]3055-you wanted to when [you]3055-you were eighteen . What is it [you]3055-you 're after , [Tom]379-riddle ? Why not try an open request for once ? " [Voldemort]192-voldemort sneered . "[3055-you] If [you]3055-you do not want to give [me]0-i a job — " "[3055-you] Of course [I]0-i do n't , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[0-i] And [I]0-i do n't think for a moment [you]3055-you expected [me]0-i to . Nevertheless , [you]3055-you came here , [you]3055-you asked , [you]3055-you must have had a purpose . " [Voldemort]192-voldemort stood up . [He]146-dumbledore looked less like [Tom Riddle]379-riddle than ever , [his]146-dumbledore features thick with rage . "[3055-you] This is [your]3055-you final word ? " "[3055-you] It is , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , also standing . "[3055-you] Then [we]3074-we have nothing more to say to [each other]4377-each other . " "[3055-you] No , nothing , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , and a great sadness filled [his]146-dumbledore face . "[3055-you] The time is long gone when [I]0-i could frighten [you]3055-you with a burning wardrobe and force [you]3055-you to make repayment for [your]3055-you crimes . But [I]0-i wish [I]0-i could , [Tom]379-riddle . ... [I]0-i wish [I]0-i could . . . . " For a second , [Harry]136-harry was on the verge of shouting a pointless warning : [He]136-harry was sure that [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's hand had twitched toward [his]192-voldemort pocket and [his]192-voldemort wand ; but then the moment had passed , [Voldemort]192-voldemort had turned away , the door was closing , and [he]192-voldemort was gone . [Harry]136-harry felt [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's hand close over [his]136-harry arm again and moments later , [they]6297-they were standing together on almost the same spot , but there was no snow building on the window ledge , and [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's hand was blackened and dead - looking once more . "[0-i] Why ? " said [Harry]136-harry at once , looking up into [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's face . "[0-i] Why did [he]3076-he come back ? Did [you]0-i ever find out ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i have ideas , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , "[0-i] but no more than that . " "[985-sir] What ideas , [sir]985-sir ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i shall tell [you]985-sir , [Harry]136-harry , when [you]985-sir have retrieved that memory from [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[985-sir] When [you]985-sir have that last piece of the jigsaw , everything will , [I]0-i hope , be clear ... to [both of [us]3078-both of us]3078-both of us . " [Harry]136-harry was still burning with curiosity and even though [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had walked to the door and was holding it open for [him]136-harry , [he]146-dumbledore did not move at once . "[3076-he] Was [he]3076-he after the Defense Against the Dark Arts job again , [sir]985-sir ? [He]3076-he did n't say . ... " "[3076-he] Oh , [he]3076-he definitely wanted the Defense Against the Dark Arts job , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[3076-he] The aftermath of [our]3078-both of us little meeting proved that . [You]3080-you see , [we]3078-both of us have never been able to keep a Defense Against [the Dark Arts teacher]4779-the dark arts teacher for longer than a year since [I]0-i refused the post to [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort . "[192-voldemort] Chapter 21 : [The Unknowable Room]3082-the unknowable room [Harry]136-harry wracked [his]136-harry brains over the next week as to how [he]136-harry was to persuade [Slughorn]216-slughorn to hand over the true memory , but nothing in the nature of a brain wave occurred and [he]136-harry was reduced to doing what [he]136-harry did increasingly these days when at a loss : poring over [his]136-harry Potions book , hoping that [the Prince]1725-the prince would have scribbled something useful in a margin , as [he]136-harry had done so many times before . " [You]136-harry wo n't find anything in there , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione firmly , late on Sunday evening . " Do n't start , [Hermione]194-hermione , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " If it had n't been for [the Prince]1725-the prince , [Ron]217-ron would n't be sitting here now . "[136-harry] " [He]217-ron would if [you]136-harry 'd just listened to [Snape]221-snape in [our]3084-they first year , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione dismissively . [Harry]136-harry ignored [her]194-hermione . [He]136-harry had just found an incantation “ Sectum - sempra ! "[136-harry] scrawled in a margin above the intriguing words " For [enemies]6299-enemies , "[136-harry] and was itching to try it out , but thought it best not to in front of [Hermione]194-hermione . Instead , [he]136-harry surreptitiously folded down the corner of the page . [They]3084-they were sitting beside the fire in [the common room]1602-the common room ; [the only other people awake]3086-the only other people awake were fellow sixth years . There had been a cer - tain amount of excitement earlier when [they]3084-they had come back from dinner to find a new sign on the notice board that announced the date for [their]3084-they Apparition Test . [Those who would be seventeen on or before the first test date , the twenty - first of April]3087-those who would be seventeen on or before the first test date , the twenty - first of april , had the option of signing up for additional practice sessions , which would take place ( heavily supervised ) in [Hogsmeade]61-hogsmeade . [Ron]217-ron had panicked on reading this notice ; [he]217-ron had still not man - aged to [Apparate]551-apparate and feared [he]217-ron would not be ready for the test . [Hermione]194-hermione , who had now achieved Apparition twice , was a little more confident , but [Harry]136-harry , who would not be seventeen for an - other four months , could not take the test whether ready or not . " At least [you]217-ron can Apparate , though ! "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron tensely . " [You]217-ron 'll have no trouble come [July]552-july ! "[217-ron] " [I]136-harry 've only done it once , "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry reminded [him]217-ron ; [he]217-ron had finally managed to disappear and rematerialize inside [his]217-ron hoop during [their]3084-they previous lesson . Having wasted a lot of time worrying aloud about [Apparition]496-apparition , [Ron]217-ron was now struggling to finish a viciously difficult essay for [Snape]221-snape that [Harry]136-harry and [Hermione]194-hermione had already completed . [Harry]136-harry fully expected to receive low marks on [his]136-harry , because [he]136-harry had disagreed with [Snape]221-snape on the best way to tackle [dementors]4423-dementors , but [he]136-harry did not care : [Slughorns]472-slughorns memory was the most important thing to [him]136-harry now . " [I]194-hermione 'm telling [you]136-harry , [the stupid Prince]6300-the stupid prince is n't going to be able to help [you]136-harry with this , [Harry]136-harry ! "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , more loudly . " There 's only one way to force [someone]5066-someone to do what [you]136-harry want , and that 's the Imperius Curse , which is illegal — "[194-hermione] " Yeah , [I]136-harry know that , thanks , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , not looking up from the book . " That 's why [I]136-harry 'm looking for something different . [Dumbledorf]553-dumbledorf says Veritaserum wo n't do it , but there might be something else , a potion or a spell . . . . "[136-harry] " [You]217-ron 're going about it the wrong way , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione . " Only [you]136-harry can get the memory , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore says . That must mean [you]136-harry can persuade [Slughorn]216-slughorn where [other people]5616-other people ca n’t . It 's not a question of slipping [him]216-slughorn a potion , [anyone]660-anyone could do that — "[194-hermione] " How do [you]217-ron spell ' belligerent ' ? "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , shaking [his]217-ron quill very hard while staring at [his]217-ron parchment . " It ca n't be B — U — M — "[217-ron] " No , it is n't , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , pulling [Ron]217-ron 's essay toward [her]194-hermione . " And ' augury ' does n't begin O — R — G either . What kind of quill are [you]217-ron using ? "[194-hermione] " It 's one of [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george 's Spell - Check ones , but [I]217-ron think the charm must be wearing off . "[217-ron] " Yes , it must , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , pointing at the title of [his]217-ron essay , " because [we]6304-we were asked how [we]6304-we 'd deal with [dementors]4423-dementors , not ' Dug - bogs ' , and [I]194-hermione do n't remember [you]217-ron changing [your]217-ron name to ' [Roonil Wazlib]554-roonil wazlib ’ either . "[194-hermione] " Ah no ! "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , staring horror - struck at the parchment . " Do n't say [I]217-ron 'll have to write the whole thing out again ! "[217-ron] " It 's okay , [we]6304-we can fix it , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , pulling the essay toward [her]194-hermione and taking out [her]194-hermione wand . " [I]217-ron love [you]194-hermione , [Hermione]194-hermione , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , sinking back in [his]217-ron chair , rub - bing [his]217-ron eyes wearily . [Hermione]194-hermione turned faintly pink , but merely said , " Do n't let [Lavender]343-lavender hear [you]217-ron saying that . "[194-hermione] " 1 wo n't , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron into [his]217-ron hands . " Or maybe [I]217-ron will , then [she]343-lavender 'll ditch [me]217-ron . "[217-ron] " Why do n't [you]217-ron ditch [her]343-lavender if [you]217-ron want to finish it ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry . " [You]217-ron have n't ever chucked [anyone]660-anyone , have [you]217-ron ? "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron . " [You]217-ron and [Cho]298-cho just — "[217-ron] " Sort of fell apart , yeah , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Wish that would happen with [me]217-ron and [Lavender]343-lavender , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron gloomily , watching [Hermione]194-hermione silently tapping each of [his]217-ron mis - spelled words with the end of [her]194-hermione wand , so that they corrected themselves on the page . " But the more [I]194-hermione hint [I]194-hermione want to finish it , the tighter [she]343-lavender holds on . It 's like going out with the giant squid . "[194-hermione] " There , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , some twenty minutes later , handing back [Ron]217-ron 's essay . " Thanks a million , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron . " Can [I]217-ron borrow [your]194-hermione quill for the conclusion ? "[217-ron] [Harry]136-harry , who had found nothing useful in [the Half - Blood Prince]649-the half - blood prince 's notes so far , looked around ; [the three of [them]1233-the three of them]1233-the three of them were now [the only ones left in [the common room]1602-the common room]3091-the only ones left in the common room , [Seamus]330-seamus having just gone up to bed cursing [Snape]221-snape and [his]330-seamus essay . The only sounds were the crackling of the fire and [Ron]217-ron scratching out one last paragraph on [dementors]4423-dementors using [Hermione]194-hermione 's quill . [Harry]136-harry had just closed the Half - Blood Prince 's book , yawning , when — Crack ! [Hermione]194-hermione let out a little shriek ; [Ron]217-ron spilled ink all over [his]217-ron freshly completed essay , and [Harry]136-harry said , " [Kreacher]186-kreacher ! "[136-harry] [The house - elf]4612-the house - elf bowed low and addressed [his]4612-the house - elf own gnarled toes . " [Master]6307-master said [he]6307-master wanted regular reports on what [the Malfoy boy]6207-the malfoy boy is doing , so [Kreacher]186-kreacher has come to give-- "[4612-the house - elf] Crack ! [Dobby]502-dobby appeared alongside [Kreacher]186-kreacher , [his]502-dobby tea - cozy hat askew . " [Dobby]502-dobby has been helping too , [Harry Potter]136-harry ! "[502-dobby] [he]502-dobby squeaked , cast - ing [Kreacher]186-kreacher a resentful look . " And [Kreacher]186-kreacher ought to tell [Dobby]502-dobby when [he]502-dobby is coming to see [Harry Potter]136-harry so [they]6309-they can make [their]6309-they re - ports together ! "[502-dobby] " What is this ? "[194-hermione] asked [Hermione]194-hermione , still looking shocked by these sudden appearances . " What 's going on , [Harry]136-harry ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry hesitated before answering , because [he]136-harry had not told [Her]194-hermione - mione about setting [Kreacher]186-kreacher and [Dobby]502-dobby to tail [Malfoy]170-malfoy ; [house - elves]2399-house - elves were always such a touchy subject with [her]194-hermione . " Well . . . [they]6309-they 've been following [Malfoy]170-malfoy for [me]136-harry , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said . " Night and day , "[186-kreacher] croaked [Kreacher]186-kreacher . " [Dobby]502-dobby has not slept for a week , [Harry Potter]136-harry ! "[502-dobby] said [Dobby]502-dobby proudly , swaying where [he]502-dobby stood . [Hermione]194-hermione looked indignant . " [You]502-dobby have n't slept , [Dobby]502-dobby ? But surely , [Harry]136-harry , [you]502-dobby did n't tell [him]502-dobby not to — "[194-hermione] " No , of course [I]136-harry did n't , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry quickly . " [Dobby]502-dobby , [you]502-dobby can sleep , all right ? But has either of [you]502-dobby found out anything ? "[136-harry] [he]136-harry has - tened to ask , before [Hermione]194-hermione could intervene again . " [Master Malfoy]413-malfoy moves with a nobility that befits [his]413-malfoy pure blood , "[186-kreacher] croaked [Kreacher]186-kreacher at once . " [His]413-malfoy features recall the fine bones of [[my]186-kreacher mistress]6310-my mistress and [his]413-malfoy manners are those of — "[186-kreacher] " [Draco Malfoy]170-malfoy is [a bad boy]6311-a bad boy ! "[502-dobby] squeaked [Dobby]502-dobby angrily . " [A bad boy]6311-a bad boy who — who — "[502-dobby] [He]502-dobby shuddered from the tassel of [his]502-dobby tea cozy to the toes of [his]502-dobby socks and then ran at the fire , as though about to dive into it . [Harry]136-harry , to whom this was not entirely unexpected , caught [him]502-dobby around the middle and held [him]502-dobby fast . For a few seconds [Dobby]502-dobby struggled , then went limp . " Thank [you]136-harry , [Harry Potter]136-harry , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry panted . " [Dobby]502-dobby still finds it dif - ficult to speak ill of [[his]502-dobby old masters]6313-his old masters . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry released [him]502-dobby ; [Dobby]502-dobby straightened [his]502-dobby tea cozy and said defiantly to [Kreacher]186-kreacher , " But [Kreacher]186-kreacher should know that [Draco Malfoy]170-malfoy is not [a good master to [a house - elf]4610-a house - elf]6314-a good master to a house - elf ! "[502-dobby] " Yeah , [we]6316-we do n't need to hear about [you]186-kreacher being in love with [Malfoy]170-malfoy , "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry told [Kreacher]186-kreacher . " Let 's fast forward to where [he]170-malfoy 's actually been going . "[186-kreacher] [Kreacher]186-kreacher bowed again , looking furious , and then said , " [Master Malfoy]413-malfoy eats in [the Great Hall]1520-the great hall , [he]413-malfoy sleeps in [a dormitory in [the dun - geons]6319-the dun - geons]6318-a dormitory in the dun - geons , [he]413-malfoy attends [his]413-malfoy classes in a variety of — "[186-kreacher] " [Dobby]502-dobby , [you]502-dobby tell [me]136-harry , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , cutting across [Kreacher]186-kreacher . " Has [he]170-malfoy been going anywhere [he]170-malfoy should n't have ? "[136-harry] " [Harry Potter]136-harry , [sir]985-sir , "[502-dobby] squeaked [Dobby]502-dobby , [his]502-dobby great orblike eyes shining in the firelight , " [the Malfoy boy]6207-the malfoy boy is breaking no rules that [Dobby]502-dobby can discover , but [he]170-malfoy is still keen to avoid detection . [He]170-malfoy has been making regular visits to [the seventh floor]6322-the seventh floor with [a variety of [other students]6324-other students , who keep watch for [him]170-malfoy while [he]170-malfoy enters]6323-a variety of other students , who keep watch for him while he enters — "[502-dobby] " [The Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , smacking [himself]136-harry hard on the forehead with Advanced Potion - Making . [Hermione]194-hermione and [Ron]217-ron stared at [him]136-harry . " That 's where [he]170-malfoy 's been sneaking off to ! That 's where [he]170-malfoy 's doing … whatever [he]170-malfoy 's doing ! And [I]217-ron bet that 's why [he]170-malfoy 's been disappearing off the map — come to think of it , [I]217-ron 've never seen [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement on [there]4506-there ! "[217-ron] " Maybe [the Marauders]555-the marauders never knew [the room]685-the room was there , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron . " [I]194-hermione think it 'll be part of the magic of [the room]685-the room , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione . " If [you]136-harry need it to be unplottable , it will be . "[194-hermione] " [Dobby]502-dobby , have [you]502-dobby managed to get in to have a look at what [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's doing ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry eagerly . " No , [Harry Potter]136-harry , that is impossible , "[502-dobby] said [Dobby]502-dobby . " No , it 's not , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry at once . " [Malfoy]170-malfoy got into [our]6330-our head - quarters [there]4506-there last year , so [I]136-harry 'll be able to get in and spy on [him]170-malfoy , no problem . "[136-harry] " But [I]194-hermione do n't think [you]136-harry will , [Harry]136-harry , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione slowly . " [Mal - foy]479-mal - foy already knew exactly how [we]6330-our were using [the room]685-the room , did n't [he]479-mal - foy , because [that stupid Marietta]299-marietta had blabbed . [He]479-mal - foy needed [the room]685-the room to become [the headquarters of [the D.A.]57-the d.a.]6334-the headquarters of the d.a. , so it did . But [you]136-harry do n't know what [the room]685-the room becomes when [Malfoy]170-malfoy goes in [there]4506-there , so [you]136-harry do n't know what to ask [it]685-the room to transform into . "[194-hermione] " There 'll be a way around that , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry dismissively . " [You]136-harry 've done brilliantly , [Dobby]502-dobby . "[136-harry] " [Kreachers]556-kreachers done well too , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione kindly ; but far from looking grateful , [Kreacher]186-kreacher averted [his]186-kreacher huge , bloodshot eyes and croaked at the ceiling , " [The Mudblood]557-the mudblood granger is speaking to [Kreacher]186-kreacher , [Kreacher]186-kreacher will pretend [he]186-kreacher can not hear — "[186-kreacher] " Get out of it , "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry snapped at [him]186-kreacher , and [Kreacher]186-kreacher made one last deep bow and Disapparated . " [You]136-harry 'd better go and get some sleep too , [Dobby]502-dobby . "[186-kreacher] " Thank [you]136-harry , [Harry Potter]136-harry , [sir]985-sir ! "[502-dobby] squeaked [Dobby]502-dobby happily , and [he]502-dobby too vanished . " How good is this ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry enthusiastically , turning to [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione the moment [the room]685-the room was elf - free again . " [We]6338-we know where [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's going ! [We]6338-we 've got [him]170-malfoy cornered now ! "[194-hermione] " Yeah , it 's great , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron glumly , who was attempting to mop up the sodden mass of ink chat had recently been an almost com - pleted essay . [Hermione]194-hermione pulled it toward [her]194-hermione and began siphoning the ink off with [her]194-hermione wand . " But what 's all this about [him]170-malfoy going up there with a variety of [students]967-students ' ? "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione . " How many [people]681-people are in on it ? [You]6341-you would n't think [he]170-malfoy 'd trust [lots of [them]681-people]6342-lots of them to know what [he]170-malfoy 's do - ing--- "[194-hermione] " Yeah , that is weird , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , frowning . " [I]136-harry heard [him]170-malfoy telling [Crabbe]313-crabbe it was n't [Crabbe]313-crabbe 's business what [he]170-malfoy was doing ... so what 's [he]170-malfoy telling all these ... all these ... "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry 's voice tailed away ; [he]136-harry was staring at the fire . " God , [I]136-harry 've been stupid , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said quietly . " Its obvious , is n't it ? There was a great vat of it down in [the dungeon]1674-the dungeon . . . . [He]170-malfoy could ’ve nicked some any time during that lesson . . . . "[136-harry] " Nicked what ? "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron . " Polyjuice Potion . [He]170-malfoy stole some of the Polyjuice Potion [Slug - horn]432-queen slug showed [us]6344-us in [our]6344-us first Potions lesson … There are n't [a whole variety of [students]967-students standing guard for [Malfoy]170-malfoy]6345-a whole variety of students standing guard for malfoy … it 's just [Crabbe]313-crabbe and [Goyle]312-goyle as usual . … Yeah , it all fits ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , jumping up and starting to pace in front of the fire . " [They]6347-them 're stupid enough to do what [they]6347-them 're told even if [he]170-malfoy wo n't tell [them]6347-them what [he]170-malfoy 's up to , but [he]170-malfoy does n't want [them]6347-them to be seen lurking around outside [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement , so [he]170-malfoy 's got [them]6347-them taking Polyjuice to make [them]6347-them look like [other people]5616-other people … [Those two girls [I]136-harry saw [him]170-malfoy with]6350-those two girls i saw him with when [he]170-malfoy missed [Quidditch]519-quidditch — ha ! [Crabbe]313-crabbe and [Goyle]312-goyle ! "[136-harry] “ Do [you]136-harry mean to say , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione in a hushed voice , " that [that little girl whose scales [I]194-hermione repaired]6351-that little girl whose scales i repaired — ? "[194-hermione] " Yeah , of course ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry loudly , staring at [her]194-hermione . " Of course ! [Malfoy]170-malfoy must 've been inside [the room]685-the room at the time , so [she]6351-that little girl whose scales i repaired — what am [I]136-harry talking about ? — [he]170-malfoy dropped the scales to tell [Malfoy]170-malfoy not to corne out , because there was [someone there]6353-someone there ! And there was [that girl who dropped the toadspawn]6354-that girl who dropped the toadspawn too ! [We]6355-we 've been walking past [him]170-malfoy all the time and not realizing it ! "[136-harry] " [He]170-malfoy 's got [Crabbe]313-crabbe and [Goyle]312-goyle transforming into [girls]5261-girls ? "[217-ron] guffawed [Ron]217-ron . " [Blimey]246-blimey … no wonder [they]6357-they do n't look too happy these days . [I]217-ron 'm surprised [they]6357-they do n't tell [him]170-malfoy to stuff it . "[217-ron] " Well , [they]6357-they would n't , would [they]6357-they , if [he]170-malfoy 's shown [them]6357-they [his]170-malfoy Dark Mark ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Hmmm ... the Dark Mark [we]6358-we do n't know exists , "[384-hermi] said [Hermi]384-hermi - one skeptically , rolling up [Ron]217-ron 's dried essay before it could come to any more harm and handing it to [him]217-ron . " [We]6358-we 'll see ”[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry confidently . " Yes , [we]6358-we will , "[194-hermione] [Hermione]194-hermione said , getting to [her]194-hermione feet and stretching . " But , [Harry]136-harry , before [you]136-harry get all excited , [I]194-hermione still do n't think [you]136-harry 'll be able to get into [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement without knowing what 's there first ' . And [I]194-hermione do n't think [you]136-harry should forget "[194-hermione] — [she]194-hermione heaved [her]194-hermione bag onto [her]194-hermione shoulder and gave [him]136-harry a very serious look — " that what [you]136-harry 're supposed to be concentrating on is getting that memory from [Slughorn]216-slughorn . Good night . "[194-hermione] [Harry]136-harry watched [her]194-hermione go , feeling slightly disgruntled . Once the door to [[the girls]5510-the girls ' dormitories]3098-the girls ' dormitories had closed behind [her]194-hermione [he]136-harry rounded on [Ron]217-ron . " What [d'you]217-ron think ? "[136-harry] " Wish [I]217-ron could Disapparate like [a house - elf]4610-a house - elf , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , staring at the spot where [Dobby]502-dobby had vanished . " [I]217-ron 'd have that Apparition Test in the bag . "[217-ron] [Harry]136-harry did not sleep well that night . [He]136-harry lay awake for what felt like hours , wondering how [Malfoy]170-malfoy was using [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement and what [he]136-harry , [Harry]136-harry , would see when [he]170-malfoy went in [there]4506-there the following day , for whatever [Hermione]194-hermione said , [Harry]136-harry was sure that if [Malfoy]170-malfoy had-=- been able to see [the headquarters of [the D.A.]3102-the d.a.]6334-the headquarters of the d.a. , [he]136-harry would be able to see [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's , what could it be ? [A meeting place]3103-a meeting place ? [A hideout]3104-a hideout ? [A ston room]3105-a ston room ? [A workshop]3106-a workshop ? [Harrys]269-harrys mind worked feverishly and [his]269-harrys dreams , when [he]269-harrys finally fell asleep , were broken and disturbed by images of [Malfoy]170-malfoy , who turned into [Slughorn]216-slughorn , who turned into Snape … [Harry]136-harry was in a state of great anticipation over breakfast the following morning ; [he]136-harry had a free period before Defense Against the Dark Arts and was determined to spend it trying to get into [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement . [Hermione]194-hermione was rather ostentatiously showing no interest in [his]136-harry whispered plans for forcing entry into [the room]685-the room , which irritated [Harry]136-harry , because [he]136-harry thought [she]194-hermione might be a lot of help if [she]194-hermione wanted to . " Look , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said quietly , leaning forward and putting a hand on the Daily Prophet , which [she]194-hermione had just removed from a post owl , to stop [her]194-hermione from opening it and vanishing behind it . " [I]194-hermione have n't for - gotten about [Slughorn]216-slughorn , but [I]194-hermione have n't got a clue how to get that memory off [him]216-slughorn , and until [I]194-hermione get a brain wave why should n't [I]194-hermione find out what [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's doing ? "[194-hermione] " [I]194-hermione 've already told [you]136-harry , [you]136-harry need to persuade [Slughorn]216-slughorn , "[194-hermione] said [Her]194-hermione - mione . " It 's not a question of tricking [him]216-slughorn or bewitching [him]216-slughorn , or [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore could have done it in a second . Instead of messing around outside [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement "[194-hermione] — [she]194-hermione jerked the Prophet out from under [Harrys]269-harrys hand and unfolded it to look at the front page — " [you]136-harry should go and find [Slughorn]216-slughorn and start appeal - ing to [his]216-slughorn better nature . "[194-hermione] " Anyone [we]3109-their know — ? "[217-ron] asked [Ron]217-ron , as [Hermione]194-hermione scanned the headlines . " Yes ! "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , causing both [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron to gag on [their]3109-their breakfast . " But it 's all right , [he]216-slughorn 's not dead — [its Mundungus]6362-its mundungus , [he]216-slughorn 's been arrested and sent to [Azkaban]3-azkaban ! Something to do with impersonating [an Inferius]1639-an inferius during an attempted burglary , and someone called [Octavius Pepper]558-octavius pepper has vanished . Oh , and how horrible , [a nine - year - old boy]6364-a nine - year - old boy has been arrested for trying to kill [[his]6364-a nine - year - old boy grandparents]6230-his grandparents , [they]6230-his grandparents think [he]6364-a nine - year - old boy was under the Imperius Curse . "[194-hermione] [They]3109-their finished [their]3109-their breakfast in silence . [Hermione]194-hermione set off imme - diately for [Ancient Runes]249-ancient runes ; [Ron]217-ron for [the common room]1602-the common room , where [he]217-ron still had to finish [his]217-ron conclusion on [Snape]221-snape 's dementor essay , and [Harry]136-harry for [the corridor on [the seventh floor]6322-the seventh floor and the stretch of wall opposite the tapestry of [Barnabas]208-barnabas cuffe [the Barmy teaching trolls]3113-the barmy teaching trolls to do ballet]3111-the corridor on the seventh floor and the stretch of wall opposite the tapestry of barnabas the barmy teaching trolls to do ballet . [Harry]136-harry slipped on [his]136-harry Invisibility Cloak once [he]136-harry had found [an empty passage]3114-an empty passage , but [he]136-harry need not have bothered . When [he]136-harry reached [his]136-harry destination [he]136-harry found [it]3114-an empty passage deserted . [Harry]136-harry was not sure whether [his]136-harry chances of getting inside [the room]685-the room were better with [Malfoy]170-malfoy in - side [it]685-the room or out , but at least [his]136-harry first attempt was not going to be complicated by the presence of [Crabbe]313-crabbe or [Goyle]312-goyle pretending to be [an eleven - year - old girl]3116-an eleven - year - old girl . [He]136-harry closed [his]136-harry eyes as [he]136-harry approached the place where [the Room of [Requirement]559-requirement 's door was concealed]3117-the room of requirement 's door was concealed . [He]136-harry knew what [he]136-harry had to do ; [he]136-harry had become most accomplished at it last year . Concentrating with all [his]136-harry might [he]136-harry thought , “ [I]136-harry need to see what [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's doing in [here]4439-here ... [I]136-harry need to see what [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's doing in here ... [I]136-harry need to see what [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's doing in here ... ”[136-harry] Three times [he]136-harry walked past the door ; then , [his]136-harry heart pounding with excitement , [he]136-harry opened [his]136-harry eyes and faced it — but [he]136-harry was still looking at a stretch of mundanely blank wall . [He]136-harry moved forward and gave [it]3118-it an experimental push . The stone remained solid and unyielding . " Okay , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry aloud . " Okay ... [I]136-harry thought the wrong thing ... "[136-harry] [He]136-harry pondered for a moment then set off again , eyes closed , con - centrating as hard as [he]136-harry could . “ [I]136-harry need to see [the place where [Malfoy]170-malfoy keeps coming secretly]6367-the place where malfoy keeps coming secretly ... [I]136-harry need to see the place where [Malfoy]170-malfoy keeps coming secretly ... ”[136-harry] After three walks past , [he]136-harry opened [his]136-harry eyes expectantly . There was no door . " Oh , come off [it]3118-it , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry told the wall irritably . " That was a clear instruction . Fine . "[136-harry] [He]136-harry thought hard for several minutes before striding off once more . “ [I]136-harry need [you]6368-you to become the place [you]6368-you become for [Draco Malfoy]170-malfoy ... ”[136-harry] [He]136-harry did not immediately open [his]136-harry eyes when [he]136-harry had finished [his]136-harry patrolling ; [he]136-harry was listening hard , as though [he]136-harry might hear the door pop into existence . [He]136-harry heard nothing , however , except the distant twittering of birds outside . [He]136-harry opened [his]136-harry eyes . There was still no door . [Harry]136-harry swore . [Someone]5066-someone screamed . [He]136-harry looked around to see a gaggle of first years running back around the corner , apparently un - der the impression that [they]3120-they had just encountered [a particularly foulmouthed ghost]3121-a particularly foulmouthed ghost . [Harry]136-harry tried every variation of " [I]136-harry need to see what [Draco Malfoy]170-malfoy is doing inside [you]6369-you "[136-harry] that [he]136-harry could think of for a whole hour , at the end of which [he]136-harry was forced to concede that [Hermione]194-hermione might have had a point : [The room]685-the room simply did not want to open for [him]136-harry . Frus - trated and annoyed , [he]136-harry set off for Defense Against [the Dark Arts]250-the dark arts , pulling off [his]136-harry Invisibility Cloak and stuffing it into [his]136-harry bag as [he]136-harry went . " Late again , [Potter]136-harry , "[221-snape] said [Snape]221-snape coldly , as [Harry]136-harry hurried into [the candlelit classroom]3123-the candlelit classroom . " Ten points from [Gryfrindor]560-gryfrindor . "[221-snape] [Harry]136-harry scowled at [Snape]221-snape as [he]136-harry flung [himself]136-harry into the seat beside [Ron]217-ron . [Half the class]3124-half the class were still on [their]3124-half the class feet , taking out books and orga - nizing [their]3124-half the class things ; [he]136-harry could not be much later than any of them . " Before [we]6370-we start , [I]221-snape want [your]136-harry dementor essays , "[221-snape] said [Snape]221-snape , wav - ing [his]221-snape wand carelessly , so that twenty - five scrolls of parchment soared into the air and landed in a neat pile on [his]221-snape desk . " And [I]221-snape hope for [your]136-harry sakes they are better than the tripe [I]221-snape had to endure on resisting the Imperius Curse . Now , if [you]136-harry will all open [your]136-harry books to page — what is it , [Mr. Finnigan]561-mr. finnigan ? "[221-snape] " [Sir]985-sir , "[330-seamus] said [Seamus]330-seamus , " [I]330-seamus 've been wondering , how do [you]985-sir tell the difference between [an Inferius]1639-an inferius and a ghost ? Because there was something in the paper about [an Inferius]348-the inferius — "[330-seamus] " No , there was n't , "[221-snape] said [Snape]221-snape in a bored voice . " But [sir]985-sir , [I]221-snape heard [people]681-people talking — "[221-snape] " If [you]985-sir had actually read the article in question , [Mr. Finnigan]561-mr. finnigan , [you]985-sir would have known that [the so - called Inferius]6375-the so - called inferius was nothing but [a smelly sneak thief]6376-a smelly sneak thief by the name of [Mundungus Fletcher]410-mundungus . "[330-seamus] " [I]136-harry thought [Snape]221-snape and [Mundungus]410-mundungus were on the same side , "[136-harry] mut - tered [Harry]136-harry to [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione . " Should n't [he]217-ron be upset [Mun - dungus]562-mun - dungus has been arrest — "[221-snape] " But [Potter]136-harry seems to have a lot to say on the subject , "[221-snape] said [Snape]221-snape , pointing suddenly at the back of [the room]685-the room , [his]221-snape black eyes fixed on [Harry]136-harry . " Let [us]3127-we ask [Potter]136-harry how [we]3127-we would tell the difference between [an Inferius]1639-an inferius and a ghost . "[221-snape] [The whole class]5207-the whole class looked around at [Harry]136-harry , who hastily tried to recall what [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had told [him]136-harry the night that [they]3127-we had gone to visit [Slughorn]216-slughorn . " Er — well — ghosts are transparent — "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said . " Oh , very good , "[221-snape] interrupted [Snape]221-snape , [his]221-snape lip curling . " Yes , it in easy to see that nearly six years of magical education have not been wasted on [you]136-harry , [Potter]136-harry . ' [Ghosts]563-ghosts are transparent . "[221-snape] ' [Pansy Parkinson]314-pansy let out a high - pitched giggle . [Several other peo - ple]3128-several other peo - ple were smirking . [Harry]136-harry took a deep breath and continued calmly , though [his]136-harry insides were boiling , " Yeah , [ghosts]6378-ghosts are transparent , but [Inferi]196-inferi are [dead bodies]6379-dead bodies , are n't [they]196-inferi ? So they 'd be solid — "[136-harry] " [A five - year - old]6380-a five - year - old could have told [us]3127-we as much , "[221-snape] sneered [Snape]221-snape . " [The Inferius]348-the inferius is a corpse that has been reanimated by a Dark wiz - ard 's spells . [It]348-the inferius is not alive , it is merely used like a puppet to do [the wizard]1086-the wizard 's bidding . A ghost , as [I]221-snape trust that [you]6382-you are all aware by now , is the imprint of a departed soul left upon [the earth]6383-the earth , and of course , as [Potter]136-harry so wisely tells [us]3127-we , transparent . "[221-snape] " Well , what [Harry]136-harry said is the most useful if [we]3127-we 're trying to tell [them]6378-ghosts apart ! "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron . " When [we]3127-we come face - to - face with one down [a dark alley]6384-a dark alley , [we]3127-we 're going to be having a look to see if its solid , are n't [we]3127-we , [we]3127-we 're not going to be asking , ' Excuse [me]217-ron , are [you]136-harry the imprint of [a departed soul]6385-a departed soul ? ' "[217-ron] There was a ripple of laughter , instantly quelled by the look [Snape]221-snape gave [the class]1633-the class . " Another ten points from [Gryffindor]205-gryffindor , "[221-snape] said [Snape]221-snape . " [I]221-snape would ex - pect nothing more sophisticated from [you]136-harry , [Ronald Weasley]220-mr. weasley , [the boy so solid [he]220-mr. weasley can not Apparate half an inch across [a room]6387-a room]6386-the boy so solid he can not apparate half an inch across a room . "[221-snape] " No ! "[194-hermione] whispered [Hermione]194-hermione , grabbing [Harrys]269-harrys arm as [he]269-harrys opened [his]269-harrys mouth furiously . " There 's no point , [you]136-harry 'll just end up in deten - tion again , leave it ! "[194-hermione] " Now open [your]136-harry books to page two hundred and thirteen , "[221-snape] said [Snape]221-snape , smirking a little , " and read the first two paragraphs on the Cruciatus Curse . "[221-snape] [Ron]217-ron was very subdued all through the class . When the bell sounded at the end of the lesson , [Lavender]343-lavender caught up with [Ron]217-ron and [Harry]136-harry ( [Hermione]194-hermione mysteriously melted out of sight as [she]194-hermione ap - proached ) and abused [Snape]221-snape hotly for [his]221-snape jibe about [Ron]217-ron 's Appari - tion , but this seemed to merely irritate [Ron]217-ron , and [he]217-ron shook [her]343-lavender off by making a detour into [[the boys]1179-the boys ' bathroom]3131-the boys ' bathroom with [Harry]136-harry . " [Snape]221-snape 's right , though , is n't [he]221-snape ? "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , after staring into a cracked mirror for a minute or two . " [I]217-ron dunno whether it 's worth [me]217-ron taking the test . [I]217-ron just ca n't get the hang of [Apparition]496-apparition . "[217-ron] " [You]217-ron might as well do the extra practice sessions in [Hogsmeade]61-hogsmeade and see where [they]1179-the boys get [you]217-ron , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry reasonably . " It 'll be more interesting than trying to get into a stupid hoop anyway . Then , if [you]217-ron 're still not — [you]217-ron know — as good as [you]217-ron 'd like to be , [you]217-ron can postpone the test , do it with [me]136-harry over the summer — [Myrtle]243-moaning myrtle , this is [[the boys]1179-the boys ' bathroom]3131-the boys ' bathroom ! "[136-harry] The ghost of [a girl]4778-a girl had risen out of the toilet in a cubicle behind [them]3133-them and was now floating in midair , staring at [them]3133-them through thick , white , round glasses . " Oh , "[4778-a girl] [she]4778-a girl said glumly . " It 's [[you]3133-them two]6390-you two . "[4778-a girl] " Who were [you]4778-a girl expecting ? "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , looking at [her]4778-a girl in the mirror . " [Nobody]687-nobody , "[243-moaning myrtle] said [Myrtle]243-moaning myrtle , picking moodily at a spot on [her]243-moaning myrtle chin . " [He]217-ron said [he]217-ron 'd come back and see [me]243-moaning myrtle , but then [you]136-harry said [you]136-harry 'd pop in and visit [me]243-moaning myrtle too "[243-moaning myrtle] — [she]243-moaning myrtle gave [Harry]136-harry a reproachful look — " and [I]243-moaning myrtle have n't seen [you]136-harry for months and months . [I]243-moaning myrtle 've learned not to ex - pect too much from [boys]1488-boys . "[243-moaning myrtle] " [I]136-harry thought [you]136-harry lived in [that girls ' bathroom]6393-that girls ' bathroom ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , who had been careful to give [the place]4424-the place a wide berth for some years now . " [I]243-moaning myrtle do , "[243-moaning myrtle] [she]243-moaning myrtle said , with a sulky little shrug , " but that does n't mean [I]243-moaning myrtle ca nt visit [other places]6394-other places . [I]243-moaning myrtle came and saw [you]136-harry in [[your]136-harry bath]6395-your bath once , remember ? "[243-moaning myrtle] " Vividly , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " But [I]243-moaning myrtle thought [he]136-harry liked [me]243-moaning myrtle , "[243-moaning myrtle] [she]243-moaning myrtle said plaintively . " Maybe if [you]136-harry two left , [he]136-harry 'd come back again . [We]6396-we had lots in common . [I]243-moaning myrtle 'm sure [he]136-harry felt it . "[243-moaning myrtle] And [she]243-moaning myrtle looked hopefully toward the door . " When [you]243-moaning myrtle say [you]243-moaning myrtle had lots in common , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , sounding rather amused now , " d'you mean [he]136-harry lives in [an S - bend]6397-an s - bend too ? "[217-ron] " No , "[243-moaning myrtle] said [Myrtle]243-moaning myrtle defiantly , [her]243-moaning myrtle voice echoing loudly around [the old tiled bathroom]3135-the old tiled bathroom . " [I]243-moaning myrtle mean [he]136-harry 's sensitive , [people]681-people bully [him]136-harry too , and [he]136-harry feels lonely and has n't got [anybody]665-anybody to talk to , and [he]136-harry 's not afraid to show [his]136-harry feelings and cry ! "[243-moaning myrtle] " There 's been [a boy]5259-a boy in [here]4439-here crying ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry curiously . " [A young boy]6402-a young boy ? "[136-harry] " Never [you]217-ron mind ! "[243-moaning myrtle] said [Myrtle]243-moaning myrtle , [her]243-moaning myrtle small , leaky eyes fixed on [Ron]217-ron , who was now definitely grinning . " [I]217-ron promised [I]217-ron would n't tell [anyone]660-anyone , and [I]217-ron 'll take [his]217-ron secret to the — "[217-ron] " — not the grave , surely ? "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron with a snort . " [The sewers]6404-the sewers , maybe . "[217-ron] [Myrtle]243-moaning myrtle gave a howl of rage and dived back into the toilet , caus - ing water to slop over the sides and onto the floor . Goading [Myrtle]243-moaning myrtle seemed to have put fresh heart into [Ron]217-ron . " [You]194-hermione 're right , "[217-ron] [he]217-ron said , swinging [his]217-ron schoolbag back over [his]217-ron shoulder , " [I]217-ron 'll do the practice sessions in [Hogsmeade]61-hogsmeade before [I]217-ron de - cide about taking the test . "[217-ron] And so the following weekend , [Ron]217-ron joined [Hermione]194-hermione and the rest of [the sixth years who would turn seventeen in time to take the test in a fortnight]3136-the sixth years who would turn seventeen in time to take the test in a fortnight . [Harry]136-harry felt rather jealous watching [them]3137-them all get ready to go into [the village]1756-the village ; [he]136-harry missed making trips [there]4506-there , and it was a particularly fine spring day , one of the first clear skies [they]3137-them had seen in a long time . However , [he]136-harry had decided to use the time to attempt another assault on [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement . " [You]136-harry 'd do better , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , when [he]136-harry confided this plan to [Ron]217-ron and [her]194-hermione in [the entrance hall]5133-the entrance hall , " to go straight to [[Slughorn]216-slughorn 's of - fice]6405-slughorn 's of - fice and try and get that memory from [him]216-slughorn . "[194-hermione] " [I]136-harry 've been trying ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry crossly , which was perfectly true . [He]136-harry had lagged behind after every Potions lesson that week in an at - tempt to corner [Slughorn]216-slughorn , but [the Potions master]6073-the potions master always left [the dungeon]1674-the dungeon so fast that [Harry]136-harry had not been able to catch [him]6073-the potions master . Twice , [Harry]136-harry had gone to [[his]136-harry office]652-his office and knocked , but received no reply , though on the second occasion [he]136-harry was sure [he]136-harry had heard the quickly stifled sounds of an old gramophone . " [He]216-slughorn does n't want to talk to [me]476-filch , [Hermione]194-hermione ! [He]216-slughorn can tell [I]476-filch 've been trying to get [him]216-slughorn on [his]216-slughorn own again , and [he]216-slughorn 's not going to let it happen ! ”[476-filch] " Well , [you]476-filch 've just got to keep at it , have n't [you]476-filch ? "[476-filch] The short queue of people waiting to file past [Filch]476-filch , who was do - ing [his]476-filch usual prodding act with [the Secrecy Sensor]3145-the secrecy sensor , moved forward a few steps and [Harry]136-harry did not answer in case [he]136-harry was overheard by [the caretaker]3146-the caretaker . [He]136-harry wished [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione both luck , then turned and climbed the marble staircase again , determined , whatever [[Her]194-hermione - mione]3147-her - mione said , to devote an hour or two to [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement . Once out of sight of [the entrance hall]5133-the entrance hall , [Harry]136-harry pulled the [Ma - rauder]564-ma - rauder 's Map and [his]136-harry Invisibility Cloak from [his]136-harry bag . Having concealed [himself]136-harry , [he]136-harry tapped the map , murmured , " [I]136-harry solemnly swear that [I]136-harry am up to no good , "[136-harry] and scanned it carefully . As it was Sunday morning , [nearly all the students]3150-nearly all the students were inside [[their]3150-nearly all the students various common rooms]3151-their various common rooms , [the Gryffindors]336-gryffindors in [one tower]3152-one tower , [the Ravenclaws]352-four ravenclaws in another , [the Slytherins]295-the slytherins in [the dungeons]5814-the dungeons , and [the Hufflepuffs]390-hufflepuffs in [the basement]3154-the basement near [the kitchens]1026-the kitchens . Here and there [a stray person]3156-a stray person meandered around [the library]2354-the library or up [a corridor]3158-a corridor . There were [a few people out in [the grounds]1899-the grounds]3159-a few people out in the grounds , and there , alone in [the seventh - floor corridor]3161-the seventh - floor corridor , was [Gregory Goyle]312-goyle . There was no sign of [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement , but [Harry]136-harry was not worried about that ; if [Goyle]312-goyle was standing guard outside [it]6325-the room of requirement , [the room]685-the room was open , whether the map was aware of it or not . [He]136-harry therefore sprinted up [the stairs]884-the stairs , slowing down only when [he]136-harry reached the corner into [the corridor]4994-the corridor , when [he]136-harry began to creep , very slowly , toward [the very same little girl , clutching [her]3166-the very same little girl , clutching her heavy brass scales , that hermione had so kindly helped a fortnight before heavy brass scales , that [Hermione]194-hermione had so kindly helped a fortnight before]3166-the very same little girl , clutching her heavy brass scales , that hermione had so kindly helped a fortnight before . [He]136-harry waited until [he]136-harry was right be - hind [her]3166-the very same little girl , clutching her heavy brass scales , that hermione had so kindly helped a fortnight before before bending very low and whispering , " Hello … [you're]3166-the very same little girl , clutching her heavy brass scales , that hermione had so kindly helped a fortnight before very pretty , are n't [you]3166-the very same little girl , clutching her heavy brass scales , that hermione had so kindly helped a fortnight before ? "[136-harry] [Goyle]312-goyle gave a high - pitched scream of terror , threw the scales up into the air , and sprinted away , vanishing from sight long before the sound of the scales smashing had stopped echoing around [the corri - dor]3167-the corri - dor . Laughing , [Harry]136-harry turned to contemplate the blank wall behind which , [he]136-harry was sure , [Draco Malfoy]170-malfoy was now standing frozen , aware that [someone unwelcome]3168-someone unwelcome was out there , but not daring to make an appearance . It gave [Harry]136-harry a most agreeable feeling of power as [he]136-harry tried to remember what form of words [he]136-harry had not yet tried . Yet this hopeful mood did not last long . Half an hour later , [hav - ing]3169-hav - ing tried many more variations of [his]136-harry request to see what [Malfoy]170-malfoy was up to , the wall was just as doorless as ever . [Harry]136-harry felt frustrated beyond belief-=Malfoy might be just feet away from [him]136-harry , and there was still not the tiniest shred of evidence as to what [he]136-harry was doing in [there]4506-there . Losing [his]136-harry patience completely , [Harry]136-harry ran at the wall and kicked it . " OUCH ! "[136-harry] [He]136-harry thought [he]136-harry might have broken [his]136-harry toe ; as [he]136-harry clutched it and hopped on one foot , the Invisibility Cloak slipped off [him]136-harry . " [Harry]136-harry ? "[136-harry] [He]136-harry spun around , one - legged , and toppled over . There , to [his]136-harry utter astonishment , was [Tonks]226-tonks , walking toward [him]136-harry as though [she]226-tonks frequently strolled up [this corridor]3171-this corridor . " What ’re [you]226-tonks doing [here]4439-here ? "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said , scrambling to [his]136-harry feet again ; why did [she]226-tonks always have to find [him]136-harry lying on the floor ? " [I]226-tonks came to see [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , "[226-tonks] said [Tonks]226-tonks . [Harry]136-harry thought [she]226-tonks looked terrible : thinner than usual , [her]226-tonks mouse - colored hair lank . " [[His]146-dumbledore office]652-his office is n't [here]4439-here , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , " it 's round the other side of [the castle]4540-the castle , behind [the gargoyle]2964-the gargoyle — "[136-harry] " [I]226-tonks know , "[226-tonks] said [Tonks]226-tonks . " [He]146-dumbledore 's not [there]4506-there . Apparently [he]146-dumbledore 's gone away again . "[226-tonks] " Has [he]146-dumbledore ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , putting [his]136-harry bruised foot gingerly back on the floor . " Hey — [you]226-tonks do n't know where [he]146-dumbledore goes , [I]136-harry suppose ? "[136-harry] " No , "[226-tonks] said [Tonks]226-tonks . " What did [you]136-harry want to see [him]146-dumbledore about ? "[226-tonks] " Nothing in particular , "[226-tonks] said [Tonks]226-tonks , picking , apparently uncon - sciously , at the sleeve of [her]226-tonks robe . " [I]226-tonks just thought [he]146-dumbledore might know what 's going on . [I]226-tonks 've heard rumors … [people]681-people getting hurt . "[226-tonks] " Yeah , [I]136-harry know , it 's all been in the papers , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [That lit - tle kid]6413-that lit - tle kid trying to kill [his]6413-that lit - tle kid — "[136-harry] " [The Prophet]5056-the prophet 's often behind the times , "[226-tonks] said [Tonks]226-tonks , who did n't seem to be listening to [him]136-harry . " [You]136-harry have n't had any letters from [any - one in the Order]6415-any - one in the order recently ? "[226-tonks] " [No one from the Order]6416-no one from the order writes to [me]136-harry anymore , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , " not since [Sirius]144-sirius — “[136-harry] [He]136-harry saw that [her]226-tonks eyes had filled with tears . " [I]136-harry 'm sorry , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry muttered awkwardly . " [I]136-harry mean ... [I]136-harry miss [him]136-harry , as well . "[136-harry] " What ? "[226-tonks] said [Tonks]226-tonks blankly , as though [she]226-tonks had not heard [him]136-harry . " Well . [I]226-tonks 'll see [you]136-harry around , [Harry]136-harry . ”[226-tonks] And [she]226-tonks turned abruptly and walked back down [the corridor]4994-the corridor , leaving [Harry]136-harry to stare after [her]226-tonks . After a minute or so , [he]136-harry pulled the Invisibility Cloak on again and resumed [his]136-harry efforts to get into [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement , but [his]136-harry heart was not in it . Finally , a hollow feeling in [his]136-harry stomach and the knowledge that [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione would soon be back for lunch made [him]136-harry abandon the attempt and leave [the corridor]4994-the corridor to [Malfoy]170-malfoy who , hopefully , would be too afraid to leave for some hours to come . [He]136-harry found [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione in [the Great Hall]1520-the great hall , already halfway through an early lunch . " [I]217-ron did it — well , kind of ! "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron told [Harry]136-harry enthusiastically when [he]136-harry caught sight of [him]136-harry . " [I]217-ron was supposed to be Apparating to out - side [Madam Puddifoots Tea Shop]117-madam puddifoots tea shop and [I]217-ron overshot it a bit , ended up near [Scrivenshafts]118-scrivenshafts , but at least [I]217-ron moved ! "[217-ron] " [Good one]6417-good one , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " How 'd [you]194-hermione do , [Hermione]194-hermione ? "[136-harry] " Oh , [she]194-hermione was perfect , obviously , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , before [Hermione]194-hermione could answer . " Perfect deliberation , divination , and desperation or whatever the hell it is — [we]6418-we all went for a quick drink in [the Three Broomsticks]5536-the three broomsticks after and [you]194-hermione should 've heard [Twycross]514-twycross going on about [her]194-hermione — [I]217-ron 'll be surprised if [he]514-twycross does n't pop the question soon — "[217-ron] " And what about [you]217-ron ? "[194-hermione] asked [Hermione]194-hermione , ignoring [Ron]217-ron . " Have [you]217-ron been up at [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement all this time ? "[194-hermione] " Yep , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " And guess who [I]136-harry ran into up [there]4506-there ? [Tonks]226-tonks ! "[136-harry] " [Tonks]226-tonks ? "[217-ron] repeated [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione together , looking surprised . " Yeah , [she]194-hermione said [she]194-hermione 'd come to visit [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[217-ron] " If [you]136-harry ask [me]217-ron , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron once [Harry]136-harry had finished describing [his]136-harry conversation with [Tonks]226-tonks , " [she]194-hermione 's cracking up a bit . Losing [her]194-hermione nerve after what happened at [the Ministry]4400-the ministry . "[136-harry] " It ’s a bit odd , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , who for some reason looked very concerned . " [She]194-hermione 's supposed to be guarding [the school]1525-the school , why [she]194-hermione suddenly abandoning [her]194-hermione post to come and see [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore when [he]146-dumbledore 's not even [here]4439-here ? "[194-hermione] " [I]136-harry had a thought , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry tentatively . [He]136-harry felt strange about voicing it ; this was much more [[Hermione]194-hermione ’s territory]3176-hermione ’s territory than [his]136-harry . " [You]136-harry do n't think [she]194-hermione can have been ... [you]136-harry know ... in love with [Sirius]144-sirius ? "[136-harry] [Hermione]194-hermione stared at [him]136-harry . " What on earth makes [you]136-harry say that ? "[136-harry] " [I]136-harry dunno , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , shrugging , " but [she]194-hermione was nearly crying when [I]136-harry mentioned [his]146-dumbledore name , and [[her]194-hermione Patronus]6425-her patronus is a big four - legged thing now . [I]136-harry wondered whether it had n't become ... [you]136-harry know ... [him]146-dumbledore . "[136-harry] " It 's a thought , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione slowly . " But [I]194-hermione still do n't know why [she]194-hermione 'd be bursting into [the castle]4540-the castle to see [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , if that 's re - ally why [she]194-hermione was [here]4439-here . "[194-hermione] " Goes back to what [I]217-ron said , does n't it ? "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , who was now shoveling mashed potato into [his]217-ron mouth . " [She]194-hermione 's gone a bit funny . Lost [her]194-hermione nerve . [Women]6428-women , "[217-ron] [he]217-ron said wisely to [Harry]136-harry , " [they]6428-women 're easily upset . "[217-ron] " And yet , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , coming out of [her]194-hermione reverie , " [I]217-ron doubt [you]217-ron 'd find [a woman who sulked for half an hour because [Madam Rosmerta]184-rosmerta]6429-a woman who sulked for half an hour because madam rosmerta did n't laugh at [their]6428-women joke about [the hag]6430-the hag , [the Healer]6431-the healer , and [the Mimbulus mimbletonia]565-the mimbulus mimbletonia . "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron scowled . Chapter 22 : After the Burial Patches of bright blue sky were beginning to appear over [the castle turrets]3177-the castle turrets , but these signs of approaching summer did not lift [Harry]136-harry 's mood . [He]136-harry had been thwarted , both in [his]136-harry attempts to find out what [Malfoy]170-malfoy was doing , and in [his]136-harry efforts to start a conversation with [Slughorn]216-slughorn that might lead , somehow , to [Slughorn]216-slughorn hand - ing over the memory [he]136-harry had apparently suppressed for decades . " For the last time , just forget about [Malfoy]170-malfoy , "[194-hermione] [Hermione]194-hermione told [Harry]136-harry firmly . [They]3178-they were sitting with [Ron]217-ron in [a sunny corner of [the courtyard]3180-the courtyard]3179-a sunny corner of the courtyard after lunch . [Hermione]194-hermione and [Ron]217-ron were both clutching a Ministry of Magic leaflet — Common Apparition Mistakes and How to Avoid [Them]3181-them — for [they]3178-they were taking [their]3178-they tests that very afternoon , but by and large the leaflets had not proved soothing to the nerves . [Ron]217-ron gave a start and tried to hide behind [Hermione]194-hermione as [a girl]4778-a girl came around the corner . " It is n't [Lavender]343-lavender , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione wearily . " Oh , good , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , relaxing . " [Harry Potter]136-harry ? "[1349-the girl] said [the girl]1349-the girl . " [I]1349-the girl was asked to give [you]136-harry this . "[1349-the girl] " Thanks ... "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry 's heart sank as [he]136-harry took the small scroll of parchment . Once [the girl]1349-the girl was out of earshot [he]136-harry said , " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore said [we]6432-we would n't be having any more lessons until [I]136-harry got the memory ! "[136-harry] " Maybe [he]146-dumbledore wants to check on how [you]136-harry 're doing ? "[194-hermione] suggested [Hermione]194-hermione , as [Harry]136-harry unrolled the parchment ; but rather than finding [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's long , narrow , slanted writing [he]136-harry saw an untidy sprawl , very difficult to read due to the presence of large blotches on the parchment where the ink had run . [Dear Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]194-hermione ! [Aragog]402-aragog died last night . [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron , [you]136-harry met [him]402-aragog and [you]136-harry know how special [he]402-aragog was . [Hermione]194-hermione , [I]0-i know [you]136-harry 'd have liked [him]402-aragog . It would mean a lot to [me]0-i if [you]136-harry 'd nip down for the burial later this evening . [I]0-i 'm planning on doing it round dusk , that was [his]402-aragog favorite time of day . [I]0-i know [you]136-harry 're not supposed to be out that late , but [you]136-harry can use the cloak . Would n't ask , but [I]0-i ca n't face it alone . [Hagrid]218-hagrid " Look at this , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , handing the note to [Hermione]194-hermione . " Oh , for heaven 's sake , "[194-hermione] [she]194-hermione said , scanning it quickly and passing it to [Ron]217-ron , who read it through looking increasingly incredulous . " [He]402-aragog 's mental "[217-ron] [he]217-ron said furiously . " [That thing]6433-that thing told [[its]6433-that thing mates]6434-its mates to eat [Harry]136-harry and [me]217-ron ! Told [them]6434-its mates to help [themselves]6434-its mates ! And now [Hagrid]218-hagrid ex - pects [us]6435-we to go down there and cry over its horrible hairy body ! "[217-ron] " Its not just that , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione . " [He]402-aragog 's asking [us]6435-we to leave [the castle]4540-the castle at night and [he]402-aragog knows security 's a million times tighter and how much trouble [we]6435-we 'd be in if [we]6435-we were caught . "[194-hermione] " [We]6435-we 've been down to see [him]402-aragog by night before , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Yes , but for something like this ? "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione . " [We]6435-we 've risked a lot to help [Hagrid]218-hagrid out , but after all — [Aragog]402-aragog 's dead . If it were a question of saving [him]402-aragog — "[194-hermione] " — [I]217-ron 'd want to go even less , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron firmly . " [You]136-harry did n't meet [him]402-aragog , [Hermione]194-hermione . Believe [me]217-ron , being dead will have improved [him]402-aragog a lot . "[217-ron] [Harry]136-harry took the note back and stared down at all the inky blotches all over it . Tears had clearly fallen thick and fast upon the parchment . . . . " [Harry]136-harry , [you]136-harry ca n't be thinking of going , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione . " It 's such a pointless thing to get detention for . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry sighed . " Yeah , [I]136-harry know , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said . " [I]136-harry s'pose [Hagrid'll]566-hagrid'll have to bury [Aragog]402-aragog without [us]6437-us . "[136-harry] " Yes , [he]402-aragog will , "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , looking relieved . " Look , Potions will be almost empty this afternoon , with [us]6437-us all off doing [our]6437-us tests . . . . Try and soften [Slughorn]216-slughorn up a bit then ! "[194-hermione] " Fifty - seventh time lucky , [you]217-ron think ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry bitterly . " Lucky , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron suddenly . " [Harry]136-harry , that 's it — get lucky ! "[217-ron] " What d'you mean ? "[194-hermione] " Use [your]136-harry lucky potion ! "[194-hermione] " [Ron]217-ron , that 's — that 's it ! "[194-hermione] said [Hermione]194-hermione , sounding stunned . " Of course ! Why did n't [I]136-harry think of it ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry stared at [them]3185-them both . " [Felix Felicis]358-hermione ? "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said . " [I]136-harry dunno . . . [I]136-harry was sort of saving it . ... "[136-harry] " What for ? "[217-ron] demanded [Ron]217-ron incredulously . " What on earth is more important than this memory , [Harry]136-harry ? "[358-hermione] asked [Hermione]358-hermione . [Harry]136-harry did not answer . The thought of that little golden bottle had hovered on the edges of [his]136-harry imagination for some time ; vague and unformulated plans that involved [Ginny]236-ginny splitting up with [Dean]261-dean , and [Ron]217-ron somehow being happy to see [her]236-ginny with [a new boyfriend]3186-a new boyfriend , had been fermenting in the depths of [his]217-ron brain , unacknowledged except during dreams or the twilight time between sleeping and waking . . . . " [Harry]136-harry ? Are [you]136-harry still with [us]6438-us ? "[358-hermione] asked [Hermione]358-hermione . " Wha — ? Yeah , of course , "[217-ron] [he]217-ron said , pulling [himself]217-ron together . " Well . . . okay . If [I]217-ron ca n't get [Slughorn]216-slughorn to talk this afternoon , [I]217-ron 'll take some [Felix]358-hermione and have another go this evening . "[217-ron] " That 's decided , then , "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione briskly , getting to [her]358-hermione feet and performing a graceful pirouette . " Destination . . . determina - tion . . . deliberation . . . "[358-hermione] [she]358-hermione murmured . " Oh , stop that , "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron begged [her]358-hermione , " [I]217-ron feel sick enough as it is — quick , hide [me]217-ron ! "[217-ron] " It is n't [Lavender]343-lavender ! "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione impatiently , as [another cou - ple of [girls]5261-girls]3187-another cou - ple of girls appeared in [the courtyard]3180-the courtyard and [Ron]217-ron dived behind [her]358-hermione . " Cool , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , peering over [Hermiones]567-hermiones shoulder to check . " [Blimey]246-blimey , [they]3187-another cou - ple of girls do n't look happy , do [they]3187-another cou - ple of girls ? "[217-ron] " [They]3187-another cou - ple of girls 're [the Montgomery sisters]6439-the montgomery sisters and of course [they]3187-another cou - ple of girls do n't look happy , did n't [you]217-ron hear what happened to [[their]3187-another cou - ple of girls little brother]6440-their little brother ? "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione . " [I]217-ron 'm losing track of what 's happening to [[everyone]4750-everyone 's relatives]6442-everyone 's relatives , to be honest , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron . " Well , [[their]3187-another cou - ple of girls brother]6443-their brother was attacked by a werewolf . The rumor is that [[their]3187-another cou - ple of girls mother]5067-their mother refused to help [the Death Eaters]4511-the death eaters . Anyway , [the boy]4442-the boy was only five and [he]4442-the boy died in [St. Mungos]119-st. mungos , [they]3187-another cou - ple of girls could n't save [him]4442-the boy . "[217-ron] " [He]4442-the boy died ? "[136-harry] repeated [Harry]136-harry , shocked . " But surely [werewolves]2482-werewolves do n't kill , [they]2482-werewolves just turn [you]6448-you into [one of [them]2482-werewolves]6449-one of them ? "[136-harry] " [They]2482-werewolves sometimes kill , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , who looked unusually grave now . " [I]217-ron 've heard of it happening when [the werewolf]6450-the werewolf gets carried away . "[217-ron] " What was [the werewolf]6450-the werewolf 's name ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry quickly . " Well , the rumor is that it was that [Fenrir Greyback]283-greyback , "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione . " [I]136-harry knew it — [the maniac who likes attacking [kids]6132-kids]6452-the maniac who likes attacking kids , the one [Lupin]227-lupin told [me]136-harry about ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry angrily . [Hermione]358-hermione looked at [him]136-harry bleakly . " [Harry]136-harry , [you]136-harry 've got to get that memory , "[358-hermione] [she]358-hermione said . " It 's all about stopping [Voldemort]192-voldemort , is n't it ? These dreadful things that are hap - pening are all down to [him]192-voldemort . . . . "[358-hermione] The bell rang overhead in [the castle]4540-the castle and both [Hermione]358-hermione and [Ron]217-ron jumped to [their]3191-their feet , looking terrified . " [You]3191-their 'll do fine , "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry told [them]3191-their both , as [they]3191-their headed toward [the entrance hall]5133-the entrance hall to meet [the rest of [the people]3194-the people taking [their]3193-the rest of the people taking their ap - parition test Ap - parition Test]3193-the rest of the people taking their ap - parition test . " Good luck . "[136-harry] " And [you]136-harry too ! "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione with a significant look , as [Harry]136-harry headed off to [the dungeons]5814-the dungeons . There were only three of [them]3191-their in Potions that afternoon : [Harry]136-harry , [Ernie]353-ernie , and [Draco Malfoy]170-malfoy . " All too young to Apparate just yet ? "[568-slughorh] said [Slughorh]568-slughorh genially , " Not turned seventeen yet ? "[568-slughorh] [They]3191-their shook [their]3191-their heads . " Ah well , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn cheerily , " as [we]3191-their 're so few , [we]3191-their 'll do something for fun . [I]216-slughorn want [you]3191-their all to brew [me]216-slughorn up something amusing ! "[216-slughorn] " That sounds good , [sir]985-sir , "[353-ernie] said [Ernie]353-ernie sycophantically , rubbing [his]353-ernie hands together . [Malfoy]170-malfoy , on the other hand , did not crack a smile . " What do [you]136-harry mean , ' something amusing ' ? "[170-malfoy] [he]170-malfoy said irritably . " Oh , surprise [me]216-slughorn , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn airily . [Malfoy]170-malfoy opened [his]170-malfoy copy of Advanced Potion - Making with a sulky expression . It could not have been plainer that [he]170-malfoy thought [this les - son]3196-this les - son was a waste of time . Undoubtedly , [Harry]136-harry thought , watching [him]170-malfoy over the top of [his]136-harry own book , [Malfoy]170-malfoy was begrudging the time [he]170-malfoy could otherwise be spending in [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement . Was it [his]170-malfoy imagination , or did [Malfoy]170-malfoy , like [Tonks]226-tonks , look thinner ! Certainly [he]170-malfoy looked paler ; [his]170-malfoy skin still had that grayish tinge , probably because [he]170-malfoy so rarely saw daylight these days . But there was no air of smugness , excitement , or superiority ; none of the swagger that [he]170-malfoy had had on the [Hogwarts Express]64-hogwarts express , when [he]170-malfoy had boasted openly of the mission [he]170-malfoy had been given by [Voldemort]192-voldemort . . . . There could be only one conclusion , in [Harry]136-harry 's opinion : The mission , whatever it was , was going badly . Cheered by this thought , [Harry]136-harry skimmed through [his]136-harry copy of Advanced Potion - Making and found a heavily corrected Half - Blood Prince 's version of " An Elixir to Induce Euphoria , "[216-slughorn] which seemed not only to meet [Slughorn]216-slughorn 's instructions , but which might ( [Harry]136-harry 's heart leapt as the thought struck [him]136-harry ) put [Slughorn]216-slughorn into such a good mood that [he]216-slughorn would be prepared to hand over that memory if [Harry]136-harry could persuade [him]216-slughorn to taste some . . . . " Well , now , this looks absolutely wonderful , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn an hour and a half later , clapping [his]216-slughorn hands together as [he]216-slughorn stared down into the sunshine yellow contents of [Harry]136-harry 's cauldron . " Euphoria , [I]136-harry take it ? And what 's that [I]136-harry smell ? Mmmm . . . [you]136-harry 've added just a sprig of peppermint , have n't [you]136-harry ? Unorthodox , but what a stroke of inspiration , [Harry]136-harry , of course , that would tend to counterbalance the occa - sional side effects of excessive singing and nose - tweaking . ... [I]136-harry really do n't know where [you]136-harry get these brain waves , [[my]136-harry boy]6455-my boy . . . unless — "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry pushed the Half - Blood [Prince]136-harry 's book deeper into [his]136-harry bag with [his]136-harry foot . " — it 's just [[your]136-harry mother]4687-your mother 's genes coming out in [you]136-harry ! "[136-harry] " Oh . . . yeah , maybe , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , relieved . [Ernie]353-ernie was looking rather grumpy ; determined to outshine [Harry]136-harry for once , [he]353-ernie had most rashly invented [his]353-ernie own potion , which had curdled and formed a kind of purple dumpling at the bottom of [[his]353-ernie cauldron]1697-his cauldron . [Malfoy]170-malfoy was already packing up , sour - faced ; [Slughorn]216-slughorn had pronounced [his]216-slughorn Hiccuping Solution merely " passable . "[216-slughorn] .. ; . The bell rang and both [Ernie]353-ernie and [Malfoy]170-malfoy left at once . " [Sir]985-sir , "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry began , but [Slughorn]216-slughorn immediately glanced over [his]216-slughorn shoulder ; when [he]216-slughorn saw that [the room]685-the room was empty but for [himself]216-slughorn and [Harry]136-harry , [he]216-slughorn hurried away as fast as [he]216-slughorn could . " [Professor]4626-professor — [Professor]4626-professor , do n't [you]4626-professor want to taste [my]136-harry po — ? "[136-harry] called [Harry]136-harry desperately . But [Slughorn]216-slughorn had gone . [Disappointed]569-disappointed , [Harry]136-harry emptied the caul - dron , packed up [his]136-harry things , left [the dungeon]1674-the dungeon , and walked slowly back [upstairs]1716-upstairs to [the common room]1602-the common room . [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]358-hermione returned in the late afternoon . " [Harry]136-harry ! "[358-hermione] cried [Hermione]358-hermione as [she]358-hermione climbed through the portrait hole . " [Harry]136-harry , [I]358-hermione passed ! "[358-hermione] - " Well done ! "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said . " And [Ron]217-ron ? "[136-harry] " [He]217-ron — [he]217-ron just failed , "[358-hermione] whispered [Hermione]358-hermione , as [Ron]217-ron came slouching into [the room]685-the room looking most morose . " It was really unlucky , a tiny thing , [the examiner]6460-the examiner just spotted that [he]217-ron 'd left half an eyebrow behind . . . How did it go with [Slughorn]216-slughorn ? "[217-ron] " No joy , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , as [Ron]217-ron joined [them]3204-they . " Bad luck , [mate]6461-mate , but [you]217-ron 'll pass next time — [we]3204-they can take it together . "[136-harry] " Yeah , [I]217-ron s'pose , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron grumpily . " But half an eyebrow – like that matters ! "[217-ron] " [I]358-hermione know , "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione soothingly , " it does seem really harsh . ... "[358-hermione] [They]3204-they spent most of [their]3204-they dinner roundly abusing [the Apparition examiner]3205-the apparition examiner , and [Ron]217-ron looked fractionally more cheerful by the time [they]3204-they set off back to [the common room]1602-the common room , now discussing the continuing problem of [Slughorn]216-slughorn and the memory . " So , [Harry]136-harry — [you]136-harry going to use [the Felix Felicis]358-hermione or what ? "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron demanded . " Yeah , [I]136-harry s'pose [I]136-harry 'd better , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [I]136-harry do n't reckon [I]136-harry 'll need all of it , not twenty - four hours ' worth , it ca n't take all night .... [I]136-harry 'll just take a mouthful . Two or three hours should do it . "[136-harry] " It 's a great feeling when [you]217-ron take it , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron reminiscently . " Like [you]217-ron ca n't do anything wrong . "[217-ron] " What are [you]217-ron talking about ? "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione , laughing . " [You]217-ron 've never taken any ! "[358-hermione] " Yeah , but [I]217-ron thought [I]217-ron had , did n't [I]217-ron ? "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , as though ex - plaining the obvious . " Same difference really ... "[217-ron] As [they]3207-they had only just seen [Slughorn]216-slughorn enter [the Great Hall]1520-the great hall and knew that [he]216-slughorn liked to take time over meals , [they]3207-they lingered for a while in [the common room]1602-the common room , the plan being that [Harry]136-harry should go to [[Slughorn]216-slughorn s office]3210-slughorn s office once [the teacher]5714-the teacher had had time to get back [there]4506-there . When the sun had sunk to the level of the treetops in [the Forbid - den Forest]3213-the forbid - den forest , [they]3207-they decided the moment had come , and after check - ing carefully that [Neville]174-neville , [Dean]261-dean , and [Seamus]330-seamus were all in [the common room]1602-the common room , sneaked up to [[the boys]1179-the boys ' dormitory]2296-the boys ' dormitory . [Harry]136-harry took out the rolled - up socks at the bottom of [his]136-harry trunk and extracted the tiny , gleaming bottle . " Well , here goes , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , and [he]136-harry raised the little bottle and look a carefully measured gulp . " What does it feel like ? "[136-harry] whispered [Hermione]358-hermione . [Harry]136-harry did not answer for a moment . Then , slowly but surely , an exhilarating sense of infinite opportunity stole through [him]136-harry ; [he]136-harry felt as though [he]136-harry could have done anything , anything at all ... and getting the memory from [Slughorn]216-slughorn seemed suddenly not only pos - sible , but positively easy . . . . [He]136-harry got to [his]136-harry feet , smiling , brimming with confidence . " Excellent , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said . " Really excellent . Right . . . [I]136-harry 'm going down to [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's . "[136-harry] " What ? "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]358-hermione together , looking aghast . " No , [Harry]136-harry — [you]136-harry 've got to go and see [Slughorn]216-slughorn , remember ? "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione . " No , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry confidently . " [I]136-harry 'm going to [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's , [I]136-harry 've got a good feeling about going to [Hagrid 's]190-hagrid . "[136-harry] " [You]136-harry 've got a good feeling about burying a giant spider ? "[217-ron] asked [Ron]217-ron , looking stunned . " Yeah , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , pulling [his]136-harry Invisibility Cloak out of [his]136-harry bag . " [I]136-harry feel like it 's the place to be tonight , [you]136-harry know what [I]136-harry mean ? "[136-harry] " No , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]358-hermione together , both looking positively alarmed now . " This is [Felix Felicis]358-hermione , [I]358-hermione suppose ? "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione anxiously , holding up the bottle to the light . " [You]136-harry have n't got another little bottle full of — [I]358-hermione do n't know — "[358-hermione] " Essence of Insanity ? "[217-ron] suggested [Ron]217-ron , as [Harry]136-harry swung [his]136-harry cloak over [his]136-harry shoulders . [Harry]136-harry laughed , and [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]358-hermione looked even more alarmed . " Trust [me]136-harry , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said . " [I]136-harry know what [I]136-harry 'm doing ... or at least "[136-harry] [he]136-harry strolled confidently to the door — " [Felix]358-hermione does . "[136-harry] [He]136-harry pulled the Invisibility Cloak over [his]136-harry head and set off down [the stairs]884-the stairs , [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]358-hermione hurrying along behind [him]136-harry . At the foot of the stairs , [Harry]136-harry slid through the open door . " What were [you]136-harry doing up there with [her]358-hermione ! ”[343-lavender] shrieked [Lavender Brown]343-lavender , staring right through [Harry]136-harry at [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]358-hermione emerging together from [[the boys]1179-the boys ' dormitories]5456-the boys ' dormitories . [Harry]136-harry heard [Ron]217-ron splutter - ing behind [him]136-harry as [he]136-harry darted across [the room]685-the room away from [them]1179-the boys . Getting through the portrait hole was simple ; as [he]136-harry approached [it]3221-it , [Ginny]236-ginny and [Dean]261-dean came through [it]3221-it , and [Harry]136-harry was able to slip between [them]1179-the boys . As [he]136-harry did so , [he]136-harry brushed accidentally against [Ginny]236-ginny . " Do n't push [me]236-ginny , please , [Dean]261-dean , "[236-ginny] [she]236-ginny said , sounding annoyed . ; " [You]136-harry 're always doing that , [I]236-ginny can get through perfectly well on [my]236-ginny own . ... "[236-ginny] The portrait swung closed behind [Harry]136-harry , but not before [he]136-harry had heard [Dean]261-dean make an angry retort .. . . [His]136-harry feeling of elation in - creasing , [Harry]136-harry strode off through [the castle]4540-the castle . [He]136-harry did not have to creep along , for [he]136-harry met [nobody]687-nobody on [his]136-harry way , but this did not surprise [him]136-harry in the slightest . This evening , [he]136-harry was [the luckiest person at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts]3224-the luckiest person at hogwarts . Why [he]136-harry knew that going to [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's was the right thing to do , [he]136-harry had no idea . It was as though the potion was illuminating a few steps of [the path]1760-the path at a time . [He]136-harry could not see the final destination , [he]136-harry could not see where [Slughorn]216-slughorn came in , but [he]136-harry knew that [he]136-harry was going the right way to get that memory . When [he]136-harry reached [the en - trance hall]3226-the en - trance hall [he]136-harry saw that [Filch]476-filch had forgotten to lock the front door . [Beaming]570-beaming , [Harry]136-harry threw it open and breathed in the smell of clean air and grass for a moment before walking down the steps into the dusk . It was when [he]136-harry reached the bottom step that it occurred to [him]136-harry how very pleasant it would be to pass the vegetable patch on [his]136-harry walk to [[Hagrid]218-hagrid 's]3227-hagrid 's . It was not strictly on the way , but it seemed clear to [Harry]136-harry that this was a whim on which [he]136-harry should act , so [he]136-harry di - rected [his]136-harry feet immediately toward [the vegetable patch]2232-the vegetable patch , where [he]136-harry was pleased , but not altogether surprised , to find [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn in conversation with [Professor Sprout]344-professor sprout . [Harry]136-harry lurked be - hind a low stone wall , feeling at peace with [the world]714-the world and listening to [their]3230-their conversation . " [I]216-slughorn do thank [you]136-harry for taking the time , [Pomona]571-pomona , "[216-slughorn] [Slughorn]216-slughorn was saying courteously , " [most authorities]6462-most authorities agree that [they]6462-most authorities are at [their]6462-most authorities most efficacious if picked at twilight . "[216-slughorn] " Oh , [I]344-professor sprout quite agree , "[344-professor sprout] said [Professor Sprout]344-professor sprout warmly . " That enough for [you]136-harry ? "[344-professor sprout] " Plenty , plenty , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn , who , [Harry]136-harry saw , was carrying an armful of leafy plants . " This should allow for a few leaves for each of [my]216-slughorn third years , and some to spare if [anybody]665-anybody over - stews them . . . . Well , good evening to [you]136-harry , and many thanks again ! "[216-slughorn] [Professor Sprout]344-professor sprout headed off into the gathering darkness in the direction of [[her]3231-her greenhouses]3232-her greenhouses , and [Slughorn]216-slughorn directed [his]216-slughorn steps to the spot where [Harry]136-harry stood , invisible . : Seized with an immediate desire to reveal [himself]136-harry , [Harry]136-harry pullet [I]0-i off the cloak with a flourish . " Good evening , [Professor]216-slughorn . "[136-harry] " [Merlin]147-merlin ’s beard , [Harry]136-harry , [you]136-harry made [me]572-slughotn jump , "[572-slughotn] said [Slughotn]572-slughotn , stopping dead in [his]572-slughotn tracks and looking wary . " How did [you]136-harry get out of [the castle]4540-the castle ? "[572-slughotn] " [I]136-harry think [Filch]476-filch must 've forgotten to lock the doors , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry cheerfully , and was delighted to see [Slughorn]216-slughorn scowl . " [I]572-slughotn 'll be reporting [that man]6465-that man , [he]6465-that man 's more concerned about litter than proper security if [you]216-slughorn ask [me]572-slughotn . . . . But why are [you]216-slughorn out then , [Harry]136-harry ? "[572-slughotn] " Well , [sir]985-sir , it 's [Hagrid]218-hagrid , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , who knew that the right thing to do just now was to tell the truth . " [He]6465-that man 's pretty upset . . . But [you]985-sir wo n't tell [anyone]660-anyone , [Professor]216-slughorn ? [I]216-slughorn do n't want trouble for [him]6465-that man . ... "[216-slughorn] [Slughorn]216-slughorn 's curiosity was evidently aroused . " Well , [I]216-slughorn ca n't promise that , "[216-slughorn] [he]216-slughorn said gruffly . " But [I]216-slughorn know that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore trusts [Hagrid]218-hagrid to the hilt , so [I]216-slughorn 'm sure [he]6465-that man ca n't be up to anything very dreadful . .. . "[216-slughorn] " Well , it 's this giant spider , [he]6465-that man 's had it for years . ... It lived in [the forest]4680-the forest . ... [It]6469-it could talk and everything — "[216-slughorn] " [I]216-slughorn heard rumors there were acromantulas in [the forest]4680-the forest , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn softly , looking over at the mass of black trees . " It 's true , then ? "[216-slughorn] " Yes , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " But this one , [Aragog]402-aragog , [the first one [Hagrid]218-hagrid ever got]6471-the first one hagrid ever got , it died last night . [He]6465-that man 's devastated . [He]6465-that man wants company while [he]6465-that man buries [it]6471-the first one hagrid ever got and [I]136-harry said [I]136-harry 'd go . "[136-harry] " Touching , touching , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn absentmindedly , [his]216-slughorn large droopy eyes fixed upon the distant lights of [[Hagrid]218-hagrid 's cabin]5428-hagrid 's cabin . " But acromantula venom is very valuable ... If the beast only just died it might not yet have dried out . . . . Of course , [I]216-slughorn would n't want to do anything insensitive if [Hagrid]218-hagrid is upset . . . but if there was any way to procure some ... [I]216-slughorn mean , its almost impossible to get venom from an acromantula while its alive . ... "[216-slughorn] [Slughorn]216-slughorn seemed to be talking more to [himself]216-slughorn than [Harry]136-harry now . " . . . seems an awful waste not to collect it ... might get a hun - dred Galleons a pint . ... To be frank , [my]216-slughorn salary is not large . . . . "[216-slughorn] And now [Harry]136-harry saw clearly what was to be done . " Well , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said , with a most convincing hesitancy , " well , if [you]136-harry wanted to come , [Professor]4626-professor , [Hagrid]218-hagrid would probably be really pleased . . . . Give [Aragog]402-aragog a better send - off , [you]136-harry know ... "[136-harry] " Yes , of course , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn , [his]216-slughorn eyes now gleaming with en - thusiasm . " [I]216-slughorn tell [you]136-harry what , [Harry]136-harry , [I]216-slughorn 'll meet [you]136-harry down there with a bottle or two . . . . [We]6473-we 'll drink the poor beast 's — well — not health — but [we]6473-we 'll send it off in style , anyway , once it 's buried . And [I]216-slughorn 'll change [my]216-slughorn tie , this one is a little exuberant for the occa - sion . . . . "[216-slughorn] [He]216-slughorn bustled back into [the castle]4540-the castle , and [Harry]136-harry sped off to [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's , delighted with [himself]136-harry . " [Yen]573-yen came , "[218-hagrid] croaked [Hagrid]218-hagrid , when [he]216-slughorn opened the door and saw [Harry]136-harry emerging from the Invisibility Cloak in front of [him]216-slughorn . " Yeah — [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]358-hermione could n't , though , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [They]6474-they 're really sorry . "[136-harry] " Don — don matter . . . Hed've bin touched yeh're here , though , [Harry]136-harry . . . . "[218-hagrid] [Hagrid]218-hagrid gave a great sob . [He]216-slughorn had made [himself]216-slughorn a black armband out of what looked like a rag dipped in boot polish , and [his]216-slughorn eyes were puffy , red , and swollen . [Harry]136-harry patted [him]216-slughorn consolingly on the elbow , which was the highest point of [Hagrid]218-hagrid [he]136-harry could easily reach . " Where are [we]6475-we burying [him]216-slughorn ? "[136-harry] [he]136-harry asked . " [The forest]4680-the forest ? "[136-harry] " [Blimey]246-blimey , no , "[218-hagrid] said [Hagrid]218-hagrid , wiping [his]216-slughorn streaming eyes on the bot - tom of [his]216-slughorn shirt . " The other spiders won ' let [me]218-hagrid anywhere near [their]6477-their webs now [Aragog]402-aragog 's gone . Turns out it was only on [his]136-harry orders [they]3236-they didn ' eat [me]218-hagrid ! Can [yeh]6478-yeh believe that , [Harry]136-harry ? "[218-hagrid] The honest answer was " yes "[136-harry] ; [Harry]136-harry recalled with painful ease the scene when [he]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron had come face - to - face with [the aero - mantulas]3235-the aero - mantulas . [They]3236-they had been quite clear that [Aragog]402-aragog was the only thing that stopped [them]3236-they from eating [Hagrid]218-hagrid . " Never bin [an area o ' [the forest]4680-the forest [I]218-hagrid couldn ' go before]6479-an area o ' the forest i couldn ' go before ! "[218-hagrid] said [Hagrid]218-hagrid , shaking [his]3237-i head . " It wasn ' easy , gettin ' [Aragog]402-aragog 's body out o ' there , [I]3237-i can tell [yeh]6481-yeh — [they]3236-they usually eat [their]3236-they dead , see . . . . But [I]3237-i wanted ter give ' [i]3237-i m a nice burial ... a proper send - off . . . "[3237-i] [He]3237-i broke into sobs again and [Harry]136-harry resumed the patting of [his]136-harry elbow , saying as [he]136-harry did so ( for the potion seemed to indicate that it was the right thing to do ) , " [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn met [me]136-harry coming down here , [Hagrid]218-hagrid . "[136-harry] " Not in trouble , are [yeh]6481-yeh ? "[218-hagrid] said [Hagrid]218-hagrid , looking up , alarmed . " [Yeh]6481-yeh shouldn ’ be outta [the castle]4540-the castle in the evenin ' , [I]218-hagrid know it , it 's [my]218-hagrid fault — "[218-hagrid] " No , no , when [he]216-slughorn heard what [I]136-harry was doing [he]216-slughorn said [he]216-slughorn 'd like to come and pay [his]216-slughorn last respects to [Aragog]402-aragog too , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [He]216-slughorn 's gone to change into something more suitable , [I]136-harry think … and [he]216-slughorn said [he]216-slughorn 'd bring some bottles so [we]6483-we can drink to [Aragog]402-aragog 's mem - ory ... ”[136-harry] " Did [he]216-slughorn ? "[218-hagrid] said [Hagrid]218-hagrid , looking both astonished and touched . " Tha 's — tha 's righ ' nice of [him]216-slughorn , that is , an ' not turnin ' [yeh]6484-yeh in ei - ther . [I]218-hagrid 've never really had a lot ter do with [Horace Slughorn]193-slughorn before . .. . Comin ' [ter]6485-ter see [old Aragog]402-aragog off , though , eh ? Well . . . he’d've liked that , [Aragog]402-aragog would . . . . "[218-hagrid] : [Harry]136-harry thought privately that what [Aragog]402-aragog would have liked most about [Slughorn]193-slughorn was the ample amount of edible flesh [he]136-harry pro - vided , but [he]136-harry merely moved to the rear window of [[Hagrid]218-hagrid 's hut]3238-hagrid 's hut , where [he]136-harry saw the rather horrible sight of the enormous dead spider lying on its back outside , its legs curled and tangled . " Are [we]6483-we going to bury [him]216-slughorn here , [Hagrid]218-hagrid , in [[your]218-hagrid garden]6486-your garden ? "[136-harry] " Jus ' beyond [the pumpkin patch]6487-the pumpkin patch , [I]218-hagrid thought , "[218-hagrid] said [Hagrid]218-hagrid in a choked voice . " [I]218-hagrid 've already dug the — [yeh]218-hagrid know — grave . Jus ' thought [we]6483-we 'd say a few nice things over [him]216-slughorn — happy memories , [yeh]218-hagrid know — "[218-hagrid] [His]193-slughorn voice quivered and broke . There was a knock on the door , and [he]193-slughorn turned to answer it , blowing [his]193-slughorn nose on [his]193-slughorn great spotted handkerchief as [he]193-slughorn did so . [Slughorn]193-slughorn hurried over the threshold , several bottles in [his]193-slughorn arms , and wearing a somber black cravat . " [Hagrid]218-hagrid , "[193-slughorn] [he]193-slughorn said , in a deep , grave voice . " So very sorry to hear of [your]218-hagrid loss . "[193-slughorn] " Tha 's very nice of [yeh]218-hagrid , "[218-hagrid] said [Hagrid]218-hagrid . " Thanks a lot . An ' thanks fer not givin [Harry]136-harry detention neither . . . . "[218-hagrid] " Would n't have dreamed of it , "[193-slughorn] said [Slughorn]193-slughorn . " Sad night , sad night . . . Where is the poor creature ? "[193-slughorn] " Out here , "[218-hagrid] said [Hagrid]218-hagrid in a shaking voice . " Shall [we]1233-the three of them — shall [we]1233-the three of them do it , then ? "[218-hagrid] [The three of [them]1233-the three of them]1233-the three of them stepped out into [the back garden]3240-the back garden . The moon was glistening palely through the trees now , and its rays mingled with the light spilling from [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's window to illuminate [Aragogs]574-aragogs body lying on the edge of a massive pit beside a ten - foot- high mound of freshly dug earth . " Magnificent , "[193-slughorn] said [Slughorn]193-slughorn , approaching the spiders head , where eight milky eyes stared blankly at the sky and two huge , curved pincers shone , motionless , in the moonlight . [Harry thougln]136-harry [he]136-harry heard the tinkle of bottles as [Slughorn]193-slughorn bent over the pincers , apparently examining the enormous hairy head . " Its not ev'ryone appreciates how beau'iful [they]6488-they are ’ said [H]575-h grid to [Slughorn]193-slughorn 's back , tears leaking from the corners of [his]193-slughorn crinkled eyes . "[193-slughorn] [I]0-i didn ' know [yeh]3241-yeh were interested in creatures like Aragog , [Horace]193-slughorn . " "[193-slughorn] Interested ? [[My]0-i dear]4367-my dear [Hagrid]218-hagrid , [I]0-i revere [them]3243-them , " said [Slughorn]193-slughorn , stepping back from the body . [Harry]136-harry saw the glint of a bottle disap - pear beneath [his]136-harry cloak , though [Hagrid]218-hagrid , mopping [his]136-harry eyes once more , noticed nothing . "[0-i] Now . . . shall [we]3244-we proceed to the burial ? " [Hagrid]218-hagrid nodded and moved forward . [He]136-harry heaved the gigantic spi - der into [his]136-harry arms and , with an enormous grunt , rolled it into [the dark pit]6489-the dark pit . It hit the bottom with a rather horrible , crunchy thud . [Hagrid]218-hagrid started to cry again . "[3244-we] Of course , it 's difficult for [you]218-hagrid , who knew [him]3245-him best , " said [Slughorn]193-slughorn , who like [Harry]136-harry could reach no higher than [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's el - bow , but patted it all the same . "[218-hagrid] Why do n't [I]0-i say a few words ? " [He]3245-him must have got a lot of good quality venom from [Aragog]402-aragog , [Harry]136-harry thought , for [Slughorn]193-slughorn wore a satisfied smirk as [he]193-slughorn stepped up to the rim of the pit and said , in a slow , impressive voice , "[0-i] Farewell , [Aragog]402-aragog , king of arachnids , whose long and faithful friendship [those who knew [you]218-hagrid wo n't forget]3246-those who knew you wo n't forget ! Though [your]218-hagrid body will decay , [your]218-hagrid spirit lingers on in the quiet , web - spun places of [[your]218-hagrid forest home]3247-your forest home . May [[your]218-hagrid many - eyed descendants]3248-your many - eyed descendants ever flourish and [[your]218-hagrid human friends]3249-your human friends find solace for the loss [they]3249-your human friends have sustained . " "[3250-he] Tha was . . . tha was . . . beau'iful ! " howled [Hagrid]218-hagrid , and [he]3250-he collapsed onto the compost heap , crying harder than ever . "[3250-he] There , there , " said [Slughorn]193-slughorn , waving [his]193-slughorn wand so that the huge pile of earth rose up and then fell , with a muffled sort of crash , onto the dead spider , forming a smooth mound . "[3250-he] Lets get inside and have a drink . Get on [his]3250-he other side , [Harry]136-harry . . . . That 's it . ... Up [you]218-hagrid come , [Hagrid]218-hagrid . . . Well done ... " [They]6490-they deposited [Hagrid]218-hagrid in a chair at the table . [Fang]398-fang , who had been skulking in [his]398-fang basket during the burial , now came padding softly across to [them]6490-they and put [his]398-fang heavy head into [Harry]136-harry 's lap as usual . [Slughorn]193-slughorn uncorked one of the bottles of wine [he]0-i had brought . "[0-i] [I]0-i have had it all tested for poison , " [he]193-slughorn assured [Harry]136-harry , pouring most of the first bottle into one of [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's bucket - sized mugs and handing it to [Hagrid]218-hagrid . "[0-i] Had a [house - elf]3251-house - elf taste every bottle after what happened to [[your]218-hagrid poor friend]3252-your poor friend [Rupert]576-rupert . " [Harry]136-harry saw , in [his]136-harry mind 's eye , the expression on [Hermione]358-hermione 's face if [she]358-hermione ever heard about this abuse of houseelves , and decided never to mention it to [her]358-hermione . "[3251-house - elf] One for [Harry]136-harry . . . " said [Slughorn]193-slughorn , dividing a second bottle be - tween two mugs , "[136-harry] . . . and one for [me]0-i . Well " — [he]0-i raised [his]0-i mug high — "[3251-house - elf] to [Aragog]402-aragog . " "[3251-house - elf] Aragog , " said [Harry]136-harry and [Hagrid]218-hagrid together . Both [Slughorn]193-slughorn and [Hagrid]218-hagrid drank deeply . [Harry]136-harry , however , with the way ahead illuminated for [him]136-harry by [Felix Felicis]358-hermione , knew that [he]136-harry must not drink , so [he]136-harry merely pretended to take a gulp and then set the mug back on the table before [him]136-harry . "[3251-house - elf] [I]0-i had [him]3253-him from an egg , yeh know , " said [Hagrid]218-hagrid morosely . "[0-i] ' Tiny little thing [he]3253-him was when [he]3253-him hatched . ' Bout the size of [a Pekingese]3254-a pekingese ” "[577-sweet] [Sweet]577-sweet , " said [Slughorn]193-slughorn . "[577-sweet] Used ter keep [him]3253-him in a cupboard up at [the school]1525-the school until . . . well ... " [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's face darkened and [Harry]136-harry knew why : [Tom Riddle]379-riddle had contrived to have [Hagrid]218-hagrid thrown out of [school]4622-school , blamed for opening [the Chamber of Secrets]5984-the chamber of secrets . [Slughorn]193-slughorn , however , did not seem to be listening ; [he]193-slughorn was looking up at the ceiling , from which a number of brass pots hung , and also a long , silky skein of bright white hair . "[577-sweet] That 's not unicorn hair , [Hagrid]218-hagrid ? " "[218-hagrid] Oh , yeah , " said [Hagrid]218-hagrid indifferently . "[218-hagrid] Gets pulled out of [their]3256-their tails , [they]3256-their catch it on branches an ' stuff in [the forest]4680-the forest , [yeh]3258-yeh know ... " "[3256-their] But [[my]0-i dear chap]3259-my dear chap , do [you]218-hagrid know how much that 's worth ? " "[218-hagrid] [I]0-i use it fer bindin ' on bandages an stuff if a creature gets in jured , " said [Hagrid]218-hagrid , shrugging . "[0-i] It 's dead useful . . . very strong . ” [Slughorn]193-slughorn took another deep draught from [his]193-slughorn mug , [his]193-slughorn eyes moving carefully around [the cabin]6493-the cabin now , looking , [Harry]136-harry knew , for more treasures that [he]193-slughorn might be able to convert into a plentiful su ply of oak - matured mead , crystalized pineapple , and velvet smok - ing jackets . [He]136-harry refilled [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's mug and [his]193-slughorn own , and questioned [him]193-slughorn about the creatures that lived in [the forest]4680-the forest these days and how [Hagrid]218-hagrid was able to look after [them]3256-their all . [Hagrid]218-hagrid , becoming expan - sive under the influence of the drink and [Slughorn]193-slughorn 's flattering in - terest , stopped mopping [his]193-slughorn eyes and entered happily into a long explanation of bowtruckle husbandry . [The Felix Felicis]358-hermione gave [Harry]136-harry a little nudge at this point , and [he]136-harry noticed that the supply of drink that [Slughorn]193-slughorn had brought was running out fast . [Harry]136-harry had not yet managed to bring off the Re - filling [Charm]578-charm without saying the incantation aloud , but the idea that [he]136-harry might not be able to do it tonight was laughable : Indeed , [Harry]136-harry grinned to [himself]136-harry as , unnoticed by either [Hagrid]218-hagrid or [Slug - liorn]432-queen slug ( now swapping tales of the illegal trade in dragon eggs ) [he]136-harry pointed [his]136-harry wand under the table at the emptying bottles and [they]6495-they immediately began to refill . After an hour or so , [Hagrid]218-hagrid and [Slughorn]193-slughorn began making extravagant toasts : to [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , to [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , to elf - made wine , and to- "[136-harry] [Harry Potter]136-harry ! " bellowed [Hagrid]218-hagrid , slopping some of [his]193-slughorn four - teenth bucket of wine down [his]193-slughorn chin as [he]193-slughorn drained it . "[136-harry] Yes , indeed , " cried [Slughorn]193-slughorn a little thickly , "[136-harry] [Parry Otter]579-parry otter , the Chosen Boy Who — well — something of that sort , " [he]193-slughorn mumbled , and drained [his]193-slughorn mug too . ; Not long after this , [Hagrid]218-hagrid became tearful again and pressed the whole unicorn tail upon [Slughorn]193-slughorn , who pocketed it with cries of , "[579-parry otter] To friendship ! To generosity ! To ten Galleons a hair ! " And for a while after that , [Hagrid]218-hagrid and [Slughorn]193-slughorn were sitting side by side , arms around each other , singing a slow sad song about [a dying wizard]6496-a dying wizard called [Odo]580-odo . "[3260-the good die young] Aaargh , [the good die young]3260-the good die young , " muttered [Hagrid]218-hagrid , slumping low onto the table , a little cross - eyed , while [Slughorn]193-slughorn continued to war - ble the refrain . "[3260-the good die young] [[Me]0-i dad]3261-me dad was no age ter go ... nor were [[yer]0-i mum ' an ' [dad]4813-dad]3262-yer mum ' an ' dad , [Harry]136-harry . . . " Great fat tears oozed out of the corners of [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's crinkled eyes again ; [he]0-i grasped [Harry]136-harry 's arm and shook it "[136-harry] Bes ' wiz and witchard o ' [their]3264-they age … [I]0-i never knew .. . terrible thing . . . terrible thing ... " “[3264-they] And [Odo]580-odo [the hero]2522-the hero , [they]3264-they bore [him]580-odo back [home]1044-home To [the place that [he]580-odo 'd known as [a lad]3268-a lad]3267-the place that he 'd known as a lad , ” sang [Slughorn]193-slughorn plaintively . “[3264-they] [They]3264-they laid [him]580-odo to rest with [his]580-odo hat inside out . And [his]580-odo wand snapped in two , which was sad . ” "[580-odo] . . . terrible , " [Hagrid]218-hagrid grunted , and [his]0-i great shaggy head rolled sideways onto [his]0-i arms and [he]0-i fell asleep , snoring deeply . "[580-odo] Sorry , " said [Slughorn]193-slughorn with a hiccup . "[580-odo] Ca n't carry a tune to save [my]0-i life . " "[580-odo] [Hagrid]218-hagrid was n't talking about [your]0-i singing , " said [Harry]136-harry quietly . "[580-odo] [He]580-odo was talking about [[my]0-i mum]3269-my mum and [dad]4813-dad dying . " "[580-odo] Oh , " said [Slughorn]193-slughorn , repressing a large belch . "[580-odo] Oh dear . Yes , that was — was terrible indeed . Terrible . . . terrible ... " [He]580-odo looked quite at a loss for what to say , and resorted to refilling [their]3271-their mugs . "[0-i] [I]0-i do n't — do n't suppose [you]0-i remember it , [Harry]136-harry ? " [he]0-i asked awkwardly . "[0-i] No — well , [I]0-i was only one when [they]3271-their died , " said [Harry]136-harry , [his]136-harry eyes on the flame of the candle flickering in [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's heavy snores . "[0-i] But [I]0-i 've found out pretty much what happened since . [[My]0-i dad]5008-my dad died first . Did [you]0-i know that ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i — [I]0-i did n't , " said [Slughorn]193-slughorn in a hushed voice . "[0-i] Yeah . . . [Voldemort]192-voldemort murdered [him]5008-my dad and then stepped over [his]5008-my dad body toward [[my]0-i mum]3269-my mum , " said [Harry]136-harry . [Slughorn]193-slughorn gave a great shudder , but [he]193-slughorn did not seem able to tear [his]193-slughorn horrified gaze away from [Harry]136-harry 's face . "[192-voldemort] [He]192-voldemort told [her]3269-my mum to get out of the way , " said [Harry]136-harry remorselessly . "[192-voldemort] [He]192-voldemort told [me]0-i [she]3269-my mum need n't have died . [He]192-voldemort only wanted [me]0-i . [She]3269-my mum could have run . " "[3269-my mum] Oh dear , " breathed [Slughorn]193-slughorn . "[3269-my mum] [She]3269-my mum could have . . . [she]3269-my mum need n't . . . That 's awful . . . . " "[3269-my mum] It is , is n't it ? " said [Harry]136-harry , in a voice barely more than a whisper . "[3269-my mum] But [she]3269-my mum did n't move . [Dad]242-dad was already dead , but [she]3269-my mum did n't want [me]0-i to go too . [She]3269-my mum tried to plead with [Voldemort]192-voldemort . . . but [he]192-voldemort just laughed .... " "[192-voldemort] That 's enough ! " said [Slughorn]193-slughorn suddenly , raising a shaking hand . "[192-voldemort] Really , [[my]0-i dear boy]5222-my dear boy , enough . . . [I]0-i 'm [an old man]4665-an old man ... [I]0-i do n't need to hear ... [I]0-i do n't want to hear ... " "[0-i] [I]0-i forgot , " lied [Harry]136-harry , [Felix Felicis]358-hermione leading [him]136-harry on . "[0-i] [You]0-i liked [her]3269-my mum , did n't [you]0-i ? " "[0-i] Liked [her]3269-my mum ? " said [Slughorn]193-slughorn , [his]193-slughorn eyes brimming with tears once more . "[0-i] [I]0-i do n't imagine anyone who met [her]3269-my mum would n't have liked [her]3269-my mum . . . . Very brave . . . Very funny ... It was the most horrible thing . ... " "[0-i] But [you]0-i wo n't help [[her]3269-my mum son]5023-her son , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[0-i] [She]3269-my mum gave [me]0-i [her]3269-my mum life , but [you]0-i wo n't give [me]0-i a memory . " [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's rumbling snores filled [the cabin]6493-the cabin . [Harry]136-harry looked steadily into [Slughorn]193-slughorn 's tear - filled eyes . [The Potions master]6073-the potions master seemed unable to look away . "[0-i] Do n't say that , " [he]6073-the potions master whispered . "[0-i] It is n't a question ... If it were to help [you]0-i , of course . . . but no purpose can be served . . . " "[0-i] It can , " said [Harry]136-harry clearly . "[0-i] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore needs information . [I]0-i need information . " [He]0-i knew [he]0-i was safe : [Felix]358-hermione was telling [him]0-i that [Slughorn]193-slughorn would remember nothing of this in the morning . Looking [Slughorn]193-slughorn straight in the eye , [Harry]136-harry leaned forward a little . "[0-i] [I]0-i am [the Chosen One]940-the chosen one . [I]0-i have to kill [him]146-dumbledore . [I]0-i need that memory . " [Slughorn]193-slughorn turned paler than ever ; [his]193-slughorn shiny forehead gleamed with sweat . "[0-i] [You]0-i are [the Chosen One]940-the chosen one ? " . . [I.]0-i "[0-i] Of course [I]0-i am , " said [Harry]136-harry calmly . "[0-i] But then . . . [[my]0-i dear boy]5222-my dear boy . . . [you]5222-my dear boy 're asking a great deal . . . [you]5222-my dear boy 're asking [me]0-i , in fact , to aid [you]5222-my dear boy in [your]5222-my dear boy attempt to destroy- “ "[0-i] [You]0-i do n't want to get rid of [the wizard who killed [Lily Evans]203-lily]3280-the wizard who killed lily evans ? ' " "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry , [Harry]136-harry , of course [I]0-i do , but — " "[0-i] [You]0-i 're scared [he]3280-the wizard who killed lily evans 'll find out [you]0-i helped [me]0-i ? " [Slughorn]193-slughorn said nothing ; [he]193-slughorn looked terrified . "[0-i] Be brave like [[my]0-i mother]4685-my mother , [Professor]146-dumbledore . . . . " [Slughorn]193-slughorn raised a pudgy hand and pressed [his]193-slughorn shaking fingers to [his]193-slughorn mouth ; [he]193-slughorn looked for a moment like [an enormously overgrown baby]6499-an enormously overgrown baby . "[146-dumbledore] [I]0-i am not proud . . . " [he]0-i whispered through [his]0-i fingers . "[0-i] [I]0-i am ashamed of what — of what that memory shows . ... [I]0-i think [I]0-i may have done great damage that day . ... " "[0-i] [You]0-i 'd cancel out anything [you]0-i did by giving [me]0-i the memory , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[0-i] It would be a very brave and noble thing to do . " [Hagrid]218-hagrid twitched in [his]193-slughorn sleep and snored on . [Slughorn]193-slughorn and [Harry]136-harry stared at [each other]4377-each other over the guttering candle . There was a long , long silence , but [Felix Felicis]358-hermione told [Harry]136-harry not to break it , to wait . Then , very slowly , [Slughorn]193-slughorn put [his]193-slughorn hand in [his]193-slughorn pocket and pulled out [his]193-slughorn wand . [He]193-slughorn put [his]193-slughorn other hand inside [his]193-slughorn cloak and took out a small , empty bottle . Still looking into [Harry]136-harry 's eyes , [Slughorn]193-slughorn touched the tip of [his]193-slughorn wand to [his]193-slughorn temple and withdrew it , so that a long , silver thread of memory came away too , clinging to the wand tip . Longer and longer the memory stretched until it broke and swung , silvery bright , from the wand . [Slughorn]193-slughorn lowered it into the bottle where it coiled , then spread , swirling like gas . [He]193-slughorn corked the bottle with a trembling hand and then passed it across the table to [Harry]136-harry . "[3282-you] Thank [you]3282-you very much , [Professor]146-dumbledore . " "[146-dumbledore] [You]3282-you 're [a good boy]3283-a good boy , " said [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn , tears trickling down [his]216-slughorn fat cheeks into [his]216-slughorn walrus mustache . "[3282-you] And [you]3282-you 've got [her]3284-her eyes . . . . Just do n't think too badly of [me]0-i once [you]3282-you 've seen it . . . , " And [he]0-i too put [his]0-i head on [his]0-i arms , gave a deep sigh , and fell asleep .[3282-you] Chapter 23 : Horcruxes [Harry]136-harry could feel [the Felix Felicis]358-hermione wearing off as [he]136-harry creeped back into [the castle]4540-the castle . The front door had remained un locked for [him]136-harry , but on [the third floor]3286-the third floor [he]136-harry met [Peeves]460-peeves and only narrowly avoided detection by diving sideways through one of [his]136-harry shortcuts . By the time [he]136-harry got up to the portrait of [the Fat Lady]493-the fat lady and pulled off [his]136-harry Invisibility Cloak , [he]136-harry was not surprised to find [her]3284-her in a most unhelpful mood . " What sort of time do [you]358-hermione call this ? "[3284-her] " [I]2094-the fat lady 'm really sorry — [I]2094-the fat lady had to go out for something important — "[2094-the fat lady] " Well , the password changed at midnight , so [you]358-hermione 'll just have to sleep in [the corridor]4994-the corridor , wo n't [you]358-hermione ? "[3284-her] " [You]358-hermione 're joking ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Why did it have to change at midnight ? "[136-harry] " That 's the way it is , "[2094-the fat lady] said [the Fat Lady]2094-the fat lady . " If [you]136-harry 're angry , go and take it up with [the headmaster]1054-the headmaster , [he]1054-the headmaster 's [the one who 's tightened security]6503-the one who 's tightened security . "[2094-the fat lady] " Fantastic , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry bitterly , looking around at the hard floor . " Really brilliant . Yeah , [I]136-harry would go and take it up with [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore if [he]146-dumbledore was here , because [he]146-dumbledore 's [the one who wanted [me]136-harry to]6504-the one who wanted me to — "[136-harry] " [He]146-dumbledore is here , "[2094-the fat lady] said a voice behind [Harry]136-harry . " [Professor Dumbledore]146-dumbledore returned to [the school]1525-the school an hour ago . "[2094-the fat lady] [Nearly Headless Nick]331-nearly headless nick was gliding toward [Harry]136-harry , [his]331-nearly headless nick head wob - bling as usual upon [his]331-nearly headless nick ruff . " [I]331-nearly headless nick had it from [the Bloody Baron]6506-the bloody baron , who saw [him]146-dumbledore arrive , "[331-nearly headless nick] said [Nick]331-nearly headless nick . " [He]146-dumbledore appeared , according to [the Baron]6507-the baron , to be in good spirits , though a little tired , of course . "[331-nearly headless nick] " Where is [he]146-dumbledore ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , [his]136-harry heart leaping , ” "[136-harry] Oh , groaning and clanking up on [the Astronomy Tower]3288-the astronomy tower , it 's a , favorite pastime of [his]331-nearly headless nick — " "[6506-the bloody baron] Not [the Bloody Baron]6506-the bloody baron — [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ! " "[146-dumbledore] Oh — in [[his]331-nearly headless nick office]652-his office , " said [Nick]331-nearly headless nick . "[0-i] [I]0-i believe , from what [the Baron]6507-the baron said , that [he]331-nearly headless nick had business to attend to before turning in — " "[331-nearly headless nick] Yeah , [he]331-nearly headless nick has , " said [Harry]136-harry , excitement blazing in [his]136-harry chest at the prospect of telling [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore [he]136-harry had secured the memory . [He]136-harry wheeled about and sprinted off again , ignoring [the Fat Lady who was calling after [him]136-harry]6508-the fat lady who was calling after him . "[331-nearly headless nick] Come back ! All right , [I]0-i lied ! [I]0-i was annoyed [you]3292-you woke [me]0-i up ! The password 's still ' tapeworm ' ! " But [Harry]136-harry was already hurtling back along [the corridor]4994-the corridor and within minutes , [he]136-harry was saying "[3292-you] toffee eclairs " to [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's gar - goyle , which leapt aside , permitting [Harry]136-harry entrance onto the spiral staircase . "[3292-you] Enter , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore when [Harry]136-harry knocked . [He]146-dumbledore sounded exhausted . [Harry]136-harry pushed open the door . There was [[Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's office]4815-dumbledore 's office , looking the same as ever , but with black , star - strewn skies beyond the windows . "[3292-you] Good gracious , [Harry]136-harry , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore in surprise . "[136-harry] To what do [I]0-i owe this very late pleasure ? " "[985-sir] [Sir]985-sir — [I]0-i 've got it . [I]0-i ’ve got the memory from [Slughorn]216-slughorn . " [Harry]136-harry pulled out the tiny glass bottle and showed it to [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . For a moment or two , [the headmaster]1054-the headmaster looked stunned . Then [his]1054-the headmaster face split in a wide smile . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry , this is spectacular news ! Very well done indeed ! [I]0-i knew [you]136-harry could do it ! " All thought of the lateness of the hour apparently forgotten , [he]136-harry hurried around [his]136-harry desk , took the bottle with [Slughorn]216-slughorn 's memory in [his]136-harry uninjured hand , and strode over to the cabinet where [he]136-harry kepi [the Pensieve]6512-the pensieve . "[0-i] And now , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , placing the stone basin upon the desk and emptying the contents of the bottle into it . "[0-i] Now , at last . [we]3294-we shall see . [Harry]136-harry , quickly . . . " [Harry]136-harry bowed obediently over [the Pensieve]65-the pensieve and felt [his]136-harry feet leave [the office]6513-the office floor . . . . Once again [he]136-harry fell through darkness and landed in [[Horace Slughorn]193-slughorn 's office]6514-horace slughorn 's office many years before . There was the much younger [Slughorn]216-slughorn , with [his]216-slughorn thick , shiny , straw - colored hair and [his]216-slughorn gingery - blond mustache , sitting again in the comfortable winged armchair in [[his]216-slughorn office]652-his office , [his]216-slughorn feet resting upon a velvet pouffe , a small glass of wine in one hand , the other rummaging in a box of crystallized pineapple . And there were [the half dozen teenage boys sitting around [Slughorn]216-slughorn]6516-the half dozen teenage boys sitting around slughorn with [Tom Riddle]379-riddle in the midst of [them]6516-the half dozen teenage boys sitting around slughorn , [Marvolo]379-riddle 's gold - and - black ring gleaming on [his]0-i finger . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore landed beside [Harry]136-harry just as [Riddle]379-riddle asked , "[136-harry] [Sir]985-sir is it true that [Professor Merrythought]504-professor merrythought is retiring ? " "[379-riddle] [Tom]379-riddle , [Tom]379-riddle , if [I]0-i knew [I]0-i could n't tell [you]985-sir , " said [Slughorn]216-slughorn , wag - ging [his]216-slughorn finger reprovingly at [Riddle]379-riddle , though winking at the same time . "[0-i] [I]0-i must say , [I]0-i 'd like to know where [you]985-sir get [your]985-sir information , [boy]5320-boy , more knowledgeable than half [the staff]4724-the staff , [you]985-sir are . " [Riddle]379-riddle smiled ; [the other boys]2663-the other boys laughed and cast [him]379-riddle admiring looks . "[985-sir] What with [your]985-sir uncanny ability to know things [you]985-sir should n't , and [your]985-sir careful flattery of [the people who matter]6053-the people who matter — thank [you]985-sir for the pineapple , by the way , [you]985-sir 're quite right , it is [my]0-i favorite — " [Several of [the boys]1179-the boys]2664-several of the boys tittered again . "[985-sir] — [I]0-i confidently expect [you]985-sir to rise to [Minister of Magic]4433-minister of magic within twenty years . Fifteen , if [you]985-sir keep sending [me]0-i pineapple , [I]0-i have ex - cellent contacts at [the Ministry]4400-the ministry . " [Tom Riddle]379-riddle merely smiled as [the others]4977-the others laughed again . [Harry]136-harry noticed that [he]379-riddle was by no means [the eldest of [the group of boys]6522-the group of boys]6521-the eldest of the group of boys , but that [they]6522-the group of boys all seemed to look to [him]379-riddle as [[their]6522-the group of boys leader]6523-their leader . "[0-i] [I]0-i do n't know that politics would suit [me]0-i , [sir]985-sir , " [he]0-i said when the laughter had died away . "[985-sir] [I]0-i do n't have the right kind of background , for one thing . " [A couple of [the boys around [him]379-riddle]6525-the boys around him]6524-a couple of the boys around him smirked at [each other]4377-each other . [Harry]136-harry was sure [they]6522-the group of boys were enjoying a private joke , undoubtedly about what [they]6522-the group of boys knew , or suspected , regarding [[their]6522-the group of boys gang leader 's famous ancestor]6527-their gang leader 's famous ancestor . "[0-i] Nonsense , " said [Slughorn]216-slughorn briskly , "[0-i] could n't be plainer [you]3302-you come from [decent Wizarding stock]3303-decent wizarding stock , abilities like [yours]3302-you . No , [you]3302-you 'll go far , [Tom]379-riddle , [I]0-i 've never been wrong about [a student]2101-a student yet . " The small golden clock standing upon [Slughorn]216-slughorn 's desk chimed eleven o'clock behind [him]216-slughorn and [he]216-slughorn looked around . "[0-i] Good gracious , is it that time already ? [You]3302-you 'd better get going [boys]1488-boys , or [we]3306-we 'll all be in trouble . Lestrange , [I]0-i want [your]3302-you essay by in morrow or it 's detention . Same goes for [you]3302-you , [Avery]162-avery . " One by one , [the boys]1179-the boys filed out of [the room]685-the room . [Slughorn]216-slughorn heaved [himself]216-slughorn out of [his]216-slughorn armchair and carried [his]216-slughorn empty glass over to [his]216-slughorn desk . A movement behind [him]216-slughorn made [him]216-slughorn look around ; [Riddle]379-riddle was still standing there . "[162-avery] Look shar p , [Tom]379-riddle , [you]3302-you do n't want to be caught out of bed out of hours , and [you]3302-you [a prefect]1444-a prefect .. . " "[3302-you] [Sir]985-sir , [I]0-i wanted to ask [you]985-sir something . " - ' "[0-i] Ask away , then , [m'boy]5032-m'boy , ask away . . . . " "[985-sir] [Sir]985-sir , [I]0-i wondered what [you]985-sir know about . . . about [Horcruxes]511-horcruxes ? ' [Slughorn]216-slughorn stared at [him]985-sir , [his]216-slughorn thick ringers absentmindedly clawing the stem of [his]216-slughorn wine glass . " Project for Defense Against the Dark Arts , is it ? "[216-slughorn] But [Harry]136-harry could tell that [Slughorn]216-slughorn knew perfectly well that this was not schoolwork . " Not exactly , [sir]985-sir , "[379-riddle] said [Riddle]379-riddle . " [I]379-riddle came across the term while reading and [I]379-riddle did n't fully understand it . "[379-riddle] " No . . . well . . . [you]985-sir 'd be hard - pushed to find a book at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts that 'll give [you]985-sir details on [Horcruxes]511-horcruxes , [Tom]379-riddle , that 's very Dark stuff , very Dark indeed , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn . " But [you]985-sir obviously know all about [them]6531-them , [sir]985-sir ? [I]216-slughorn mean , [a wizard like [you]985-sir]6533-a wizard like you — sorry , [I]216-slughorn mean , if [you]985-sir ca n't tell [me]216-slughorn , obviously — [I]216-slughorn just knew if [anyone]660-anyone could tell [me]216-slughorn , [you]985-sir could — so [I]216-slughorn just thought [I]216-slughorn 'd – “[216-slughorn] It was very well done , thought [Harry]136-harry , the hesitancy , the casual tone , the careful flattery , none of it overdone . [He]136-harry , [Harry]136-harry , had had too much experience of trying to wheedle information out of [re - luctant people]3311-re - luctant people not to recognize [a master at work]3312-a master at work . [He]136-harry could tell that [Riddle]379-riddle wanted the information very , very much ; perhaps had been working toward this moment for weeks . " Well , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn , not looking at [Riddle]379-riddle , but fiddling with the ribbon on top of [his]216-slughorn box of crystallized pineapple , " well , it ca n't hurt to give [you]985-sir an overview , of course . Just so that [you]985-sir understand t [he]216-slughorn term . A Horcrux is the word used for an object in which [a per - son]6535-a per - son has concealed part of [their]6535-a per - son soul . "[216-slughorn] " [I]379-riddle do n't quite understand how that works , though , [sir]985-sir , "[379-riddle] said [Riddle]379-riddle . [His]379-riddle voice was carefully controlled , but [Harry]136-harry could sense [his]379-riddle excitement . " Well , [you]985-sir split [your]985-sir soul , [you]985-sir see , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn , " and hide part of it in an object outside the body . Then , even if [one]4729-one 's body is attacked or destroyed , [one]4729-one can not die , for part of the soul remains earthbound and undamaged . But of course , existence in such a form ... "[216-slughorn] [Slughorn]216-slughorn 's face crumpled and [Harry]136-harry found [himself]136-harry remember - ing words [he]136-harry had heard nearly two years before : " [I]136-harry was ripped from [my]136-harry body , [I]136-harry was less than spirit , less than the meanest ghost . . . but still , [I]136-harry was alive . "[136-harry] " [... few]6539-... few would want it , [Tom]379-riddle , very few . Death would be preferable . "[136-harry] But [Riddle]379-riddle 's hunger was now apparent ; [his]379-riddle expression was greedy , [he]379-riddle could no longer hide [his]379-riddle longing . " How do [you]379-riddle split [your]379-riddle soul ? "[379-riddle] " Well , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn uncomfortably , " [you]379-riddle must understand that the soul is supposed to remain intact and whole . Splitting n it [I]216-slughorn an act of violation , it is against nature . "[216-slughorn] " But how do [you]379-riddle do it ? "[379-riddle] " By an act of evil — the supreme act of evil . By commiting murder . Killing rips the soul apart . [The wizard intent upon creating a Horcrux]6540-the wizard intent upon creating a horcrux would use the damage to [his]6540-the wizard intent upon creating a horcrux advantage : [He]6540-the wizard intent upon creating a horcrux would encase the torn portion — "[379-riddle] " Encase ? But how — ? "[216-slughorn] " There is a spell , do not ask [me]581-slughoin , [I]581-slughoin do n't know ! "[581-slughoin] said [Slughoin]581-slughoin shaking [his]581-slughoin head like an old elephant bothered by mosquitoes . " Do [I]581-slughoin look as though [I]581-slughoin have tried it — do [I]581-slughoin look like [a killer]6541-a killer ? "[581-slughoin] " No , [sir]985-sir , of course not , "[379-riddle] said [Riddle]379-riddle quickly . " [I]379-riddle 'm sorry ... [I]379-riddle did n't mean to offend . . . "[379-riddle] " Not at all , not at all , not offended , "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn gruffly , " It is natural to feel some curiosity about these things . . . . [Wizards of a certain caliber]6543-wizards of a certain caliber have always been drawn to that aspect of magic . . . . "[216-slughorn] " Yes , [sir]985-sir , "[379-riddle] said [Riddle]379-riddle . " What [I]379-riddle do n't understand , though — just out of curiosity — [I]379-riddle mean , would [one Horcrux]6545-one horcrux be much use ? Can [you]6546-you only split [your]6546-you soul once ? Would n't it be better , make [you]6546-you stronger , to have [your]6546-you soul in more pieces , [I]379-riddle mean , for instance , is n't seven the most powerfully magical number , would n't seven — ? "[379-riddle] " [Merlin]147-merlin 's beard , [Tom]379-riddle ! "[216-slughorn] yelped [Slughorn]216-slughorn . " Seven ! Is n't it bad enough to think of killing [one person]6547-one person ? And in any case . . . bad enough to divide the soul . . . but to rip it into seven pieces . . . "[216-slughorn] [Slughorn]216-slughorn looked deeply troubled now : [He]216-slughorn was gazing at [Riddle]379-riddle as though [he]216-slughorn had never seen [him]379-riddle plainly before , and [Harry]136-harry could tell that [he]216-slughorn was regretting entering into the conversation at all . " Of course , "[216-slughorn] [he]216-slughorn muttered , " this is all hypothetical , what [we]6548-we 're discussing , is n't it ? All academic . . . "[216-slughorn] " Yes , [sir]985-sir , of course , "[379-riddle] said [Riddle]379-riddle quickly . " But all the same , [Tom]379-riddle . . . keep it quiet , what [I]379-riddle 've told — that 's to say , what [we]6548-we 've discussed . [People]681-people would n't like to think [we]6548-we 've been chatting about Horcruxes . It 's a banned subject at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , [you]379-riddle know . . . . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's particularly fierce about it . ... "[379-riddle] " [I]379-riddle wo n't say a word , [sir]985-sir , "[379-riddle] said [Riddle]379-riddle , and [he]379-riddle left , but not before [Harry]136-harry had glimpsed [his]379-riddle face , which was full of that same wild hap - piness it had worn when [he]379-riddle had first found out that [he]379-riddle was a wiz - ard , the sort of happiness that did not enhance [his]379-riddle handsome features , but made them , somehow , less human . . . . " Thank [you]136-harry , [Harry]136-harry , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore quietly . " Let [us]6552-us go . . . . "[146-dumbledore] When [Harry]136-harry landed back on [the office]6513-the office floor [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was ; already sitting down behind [his]146-dumbledore desk . [Harry]136-harry sat too and waited for [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore to speak . " [I]146-dumbledore have been hoping for this piece of evidence for a very long time , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore at last . " It confirms the theory on which [I]146-dumbledore have been working , it tells [me]146-dumbledore that [I]146-dumbledore am right , and also how very far there is still to go . ... "[146-dumbledore] [Harry]136-harry suddenly noticed that [every single one of [the old head - masters]3315-the old head - masters]3314-every single one of the old head - masters and [headmistresses in the portraits around the walls]3316-headmistresses in the portraits around the walls was awake and listening in on [their]3316-headmistresses in the portraits around the walls conversation . [A corpulent , red nosed wizard]3317-a corpulent , red nosed wizard had actually taken out an ear trumpet . " Well , [Harry]136-harry , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , " [I]146-dumbledore am sure [you]136-harry understood the significance of what [we]6553-we just heard . At the same age as [you]136-harry are now , give or take a few months , [Tom Riddle]379-riddle was doing all [he]379-riddle could to find out how to make [himself]379-riddle immortal . "[146-dumbledore] " [You]146-dumbledore think [he]379-riddle succeeded then , [sir]985-sir ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry . " [He]379-riddle made [a Horcrux]6555-a horcrux ? And that 's why [he]379-riddle did n't die when [he]379-riddle attacked [me]136-harry ? [He]379-riddle had a Horcrux hidden somewhere ? A bit of [his]379-riddle soul was safe ? "[136-harry] " A bit ... or more , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [You]136-harry heard [Voldemort]192-voldemort , what [he]192-voldemort particularly wanted from [Horace]193-slughorn was an opinion on what would happen to [the wizard who created [more than one Horcrux]6557-more than one horcrux]6556-the wizard who created more than one horcrux , what would happen to [the wizard so determined to evade death]6558-the wizard so determined to evade death that [he]192-voldemort would be prepared to murder many times , rip [his]192-voldemort soul repeatedly , so as to store it in many , separately concealed Horcruxc . No book would have given [him]192-voldemort that information . As far as [I]146-dumbledore know — as far , [I]146-dumbledore am sure , as [Voldemort]192-voldemort knew — [no wizard]6559-no wizard had ever done more than tear [his]192-voldemort soul in two . "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore paused for a moment , marshaling [his]146-dumbledore thought , and then said , " Four years ago , [I]146-dumbledore received what [I]146-dumbledore considered certain proof that [Voldemort]192-voldemort had split [his]192-voldemort soul . "[146-dumbledore] " Where ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry . " How ? "[136-harry] " [You]136-harry handed it to [me]146-dumbledore , [Harry]136-harry , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " The diary , Riddles diary , the one giving instructions on how to reopen [the Chamber of Secrets]5984-the chamber of secrets . "[146-dumbledore] " [I]136-harry do n't understand , [sir]985-sir , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Well , although [I]136-harry did not see [the Riddle who came out of the di - ary]6562-the riddle who came out of the di - ary , what [you]985-sir described to [me]136-harry was a phenomenon [I]136-harry had never wit - nessed . A mere memory starting to act and think for itself ? A mere memory , sapping the life out of [the girl into whose hands it had fallen]6563-the girl into whose hands it had fallen ? No , something much more sinister had lived inside that book . ... a fragment of soul , [I]136-harry was almost sure of it . The diary had been a Horcrux . But this raised as many questions as it answered . What intrigued and alarmed [me]136-harry most was that that diary had been intended as a weapon as much as a safeguard . "[136-harry] " 1 still do n't understand , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Well , it worked as a Horcrux is supposed to work — in other words , the fragment of soul concealed inside it was kept safe and had undoubtedly played its part in preventing the death of [its owner]6564-its owner . But there could be no doubt that [Riddle]379-riddle really wanted that diary read , wanted the piece of [his]379-riddle soul to inhabit or possess some - body else , so that [Slytherin]434-slytherin 's monster would be unleashed again . "[136-harry] " Well , [he]379-riddle did n't want [his]379-riddle hard work to be wasted , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [He]379-riddle wanted [people]681-people to know [he]379-riddle was [[Slytherin]434-slytherin 's heir]6566-slytherin 's heir , because [he]379-riddle could n't take credit at the time . "[136-harry] " Quite correct , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , nodding . " But do n't [you]136-harry see , [Harry]136-harry , that if [he]379-riddle intended the diary to be passed to , or planted on , [some future Hogwarts student]6567-some future hogwarts student , [he]379-riddle was being remarkably blase about that precious fragment of [his]379-riddle soul concealed within it . The point of a Horcrux is , as [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn explained , to keep part of the self hidden and safe , not to fling it into [somebody else]1515-somebody else 's path and run the risk that [they]1515-somebody else might destroy it — as indeed happened : That particular fragment of soul is no more ; [you]136-harry saw to that . The careless way in which [Voldemort]192-voldemort regarded this Horcrux seemed most ominous to [me]146-dumbledore . It suggested that [he]192-voldemort must have made — or had been planning to make — more Horcruxes , so that the loss of [his]192-voldemort first would not be so detrimental . [I]146-dumbledore did not wish to be - lieve it , but nothing else seemed to make sense . Then [you]136-harry told [me]146-dumbledore , two years later , that on the night that [Volde - mort]498-lord volde - mort returned to [his]192-voldemort body , [he]192-voldemort made a most illuminating and alarm - ing statement to [[his]192-voldemort Death Eaters]2229-his death eaters . ‘ [I]146-dumbledore who have gone further than [anybody along the path that leads to immortality]6570-anybody along the path that leads to immortality . ’ That was what [you]136-harry told [me]146-dumbledore [he]192-voldemort said . ' Further than [anybody]665-anybody ! ' And [I]146-dumbledore thought [I]146-dumbledore knew what that meant , though [the Death Eaters]4511-the death eaters did not . [He]192-voldemort was referring to [his]192-voldemort Horcruxes , [Horcruxes]511-horcruxes in the plural , [Harry]136-harry , which [I]146-dumbledore do n’t believe [any other wizard]6573-any other wizard has ever had . Yet it fitted : [Lord Voldomort]582-lord voldomort has seemed to grow less human with the passing years , and the transformation [he]192-voldemort had undergone seemed to [me]146-dumbledore to be only explainable if [his]192-voldemort soul was mutilated beyond the realms of what [we]6574-we might call ' usual evil ' . . . "[146-dumbledore] " So [he]192-voldemort 's made [himself]192-voldemort impossible to kill by murdering [other people]5616-other people ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Why could n't [he]192-voldemort make [a Sorcerer]6576-a sorcerer 's Stone , or steal one , if [he]192-voldemort was so interested in immortality ? "[136-harry] " Well , [we]6574-we know that [he]192-voldemort tried to do just that , five years ago , "[146-dumbledore] [s;n?l Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " But there are several reasons why , [I]146-dumbledore think , [a Sorcerer]6576-a sorcerer 's Stone would appeal less than [Horcruxes]511-horcruxes to [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort , "[146-dumbledore] While the Elixir of Life does indeed extend life , it must lie drunk regularly , for all eternity , if [the drinker]3318-the drinker is to maintain the immortality . Therefore , [Voldemort]192-voldemort would be entirely dependant on the Elixir , and if it ran out , or was contaminated , or if the Stone was stolen , [he]192-voldemort would die just like [any other man]3319-any other man . [Voldemort]192-voldemort likes to operate alone , remember . [I]0-i believe that [he]192-voldemort would have found the thought of being dependent , even on the Elixir , intolerable . Of course [he]192-voldemort was prepared to drink it if it would take [him]192-voldemort out of the horrible part - life to which [he]192-voldemort was condemned after attacking [you]3320-you , but only to regain a body . Thereafter , [I]0-i am convinced , [he]192-voldemort intended to continue to rely on [his]192-voldemort Horcruxes . [He]192-voldemort would need nothing more , if only [he]192-voldemort could regain a human form . [He]192-voldemort was already im - mortal , [you]3320-you see ... or as close to immortal as [any man]3321-any man can be . But now , [Harry]136-harry , armed with this information , the crucial memory [you]136-harry have succeeded in procuring for [us]3322-us , [we]3322-us are closer to the se - cret of finishing [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort than [anyone]660-anyone has ever been before . [You]136-harry heard [him]192-voldemort , [Harry]136-harry : ' Would n't it be better , make [you]136-harry stronger , to have [your]136-harry soul in more pieces . . . is n't seven the most powerfully magical number . . . ' Is n't seven the most powerfully magical number . Yes , [I]0-i think the idea of a seven - part soul would greatly appeal to [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort . " "[192-voldemort] [He]192-voldemort made seven Horcruxes ? " said [Harry]136-harry , horror - struck , while several of the portraits on the walls made similar noises of shock mid outrage . "[192-voldemort] But they could be anywhere in [the world]714-the world — hidden — buried or invisible — " "[0-i] [I]0-i am glad to see [you]136-harry appreciate the magnitude of the problem , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore calmly . "[136-harry] But firstly , no , [Harry]136-harry , not seven Hor - cruxes : six . The seventh part of [his]192-voldemort soul , however maimed , resides inside [his]192-voldemort regenerated body . That was the part of [him]192-voldemort that lived a spectral existence for so many years during [his]192-voldemort exile ; without that , [he]192-voldemort has no self at all . That seventh piece of soul will be the last that anybody wishing to kill [Voldemort]192-voldemort must attack — the piece that lives in [his]192-voldemort body . " "[3326-them] But the six Horcruxes , then , " said [Harry]136-harry , a little desperately , "[3326-them] how are [we]3325-we supposed to find [them]3326-them ? " "[136-harry] [You]136-harry are forgetting . . . [you]136-harry have already destroyed one of [them]3326-them . And [I]0-i have destroyed another . " "[136-harry] [You]136-harry have ? " said [Harry]136-harry eagerly . "[136-harry] Yes indeed , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , and [he]146-dumbledore raised [his]146-dumbledore blackened , burned - looking hand . "[136-harry] The ring , [Harry]136-harry . [Marvolo]379-riddle 's ring . And a ter - rible curse there was upon it too . Had it not been — forgive [me]0-i the lack of seemly modesty — for [my]0-i own prodigious skill , and for [Professor Snape]221-snape 's timely action when [I]0-i returned to [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , des - perately injured , [I]0-i might not have lived to tell the tale . However , a withered hand does not seem an unreasonable exchange for a sev - enth of [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's soul . The ring is no longer a Horcrux . " "[136-harry] But how did [you]136-harry find it ? " "[136-harry] Well , as [you]136-harry now know , for many years [I]0-i have made it [my]0-i business to discover as much as [I]0-i can about [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's past life . [I]0-i have traveled widely , visiting [those places [he]192-voldemort once knew]3327-those places he once knew . [I]0-i stumbled across the ring hidden in the ruin of [[the Gaunt]3328-the gaunt ’s house]3329-the gaunt ’s house . It seem that once [Voldemort]192-voldemort had succeeded in sealing a piece of [his]192-voldemort soul in side it , [he]192-voldemort did not want to wear it anymore . [He]192-voldemort hid it , protected by many powerful enchantments , in [the shack where [[his]192-voldemort ancestors]3331-his ancestors had once lived]3330-the shack where his ancestors had once lived ( [Morfin]506-morfin having been carted off to [Azkaban]3-azkaban , of course ) , never guessing that [I]0-i might one day take the trouble to visit [the ruin]3332-the ruin , or that [I]0-i might be keeping an eye open for traces of magical concealment . " However , [we]6578-we should not congratulate [ourselves]6578-we too heartily . [You]136-harry destroyed the diary and [I]146-dumbledore the ring , but if [we]6578-we are right in [our]6578-we theory of a seven - part soul , four Horcruxes remain . "[146-dumbledore] " And they could be anything ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " They could be oh , in tin cans or , [I]136-harry dunno , empty potion bottles . . . . "[136-harry] " [You]136-harry are thinking of Portkeys , [Harry]136-harry , which must be ordinary objects , easy to overlook . But would [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort use tin cans or old potion bottles to guard [his]192-voldemort own precious soul ? [You]136-harry are forgetting what [I]146-dumbledore have showed [you]136-harry . [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort liked to collect trophies , and [he]192-voldemort preferred objects with a powerful magical history [His]192-voldemort pride , [his]192-voldemort belief in [his]192-voldemort own superiority , [his]192-voldemort determination to carve for [himself]192-voldemort a startling place in magical history ; these things , suggest to [me]146-dumbledore that [Voldemort]192-voldemort would have chosen [his]192-voldemort Horcruxr with some care , favoring objects worthy of the honor . "[146-dumbledore] " The diary was n't that special . "[146-dumbledore] " The diary , as [you]136-harry have said [yourself]136-harry , was proof that [he]192-voldemort was [the Hire of [Slytherin]434-slytherin]6579-the hire of slytherin . [I]136-harry am sure that [Voldemort]192-voldemort considered it of stu - pendous importance . "[136-harry] " So , the other Horcruxes ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Do [you]146-dumbledore think [you]146-dumbledore know what they are , [sir]985-sir ? "[136-harry] " [I]146-dumbledore can only guess , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " For the reasons [I]146-dumbledore have al - ready given , [I]146-dumbledore believe that [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort would prefer objects that , in themselves , have a certain grandeur . [I]146-dumbledore have therefore trawled back through [[Voldemort]192-voldemort 's past]6581-voldemort 's past to see if [I]146-dumbledore can find evidence that such artifacts have disappeared around [him]192-voldemort . "[146-dumbledore] " The locket ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry loudly , " Hufflepuff 's cup ! "[136-harry] " Yes , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , smiling , " [I]146-dumbledore would be prepared to bet — perhaps not [my]146-dumbledore other hand — but a couple of fingers , that they be - came Horcruxes three and four . The remaining two , assuming again that [he]192-voldemort created a total of six , are more of a problem , but [I]146-dumbledore will hazard a guess that , having secured objects from [Hufflepuff]545-hufflepuff and [Slytherin]434-slytherin , [he]192-voldemort set out to track down objects owned by [Gryffindor]205-gryffindor or [Ravenclaw]583-ravenclaw . Four objects from [the four founders]6582-the four founders would , [I]146-dumbledore am sure , have exerted a powerful pull over [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's imagination . [I]146-dumbledore can - not answer for whether [he]192-voldemort ever managed to find anything of [Ravenclaw]583-ravenclaw 's . [I]146-dumbledore am confident , however , that the only known relic of [Gryffindor]205-gryffindor remains safe . "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore pointed [his]146-dumbledore blackened fingers to the wall behind [him]146-dumbledore , where a ruby - encrusted sword reposed within a glass case . " Do [you]146-dumbledore think that 's why [he]192-voldemort really wanted to come back to [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , [sir]985-sir ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " To try and find something from one of [the other founders]6584-the other founders ? "[136-harry] " [My]146-dumbledore thoughts precisely , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " But unfortunately , that does not advance [us]6585-us much further , for [he]192-voldemort was turned away , or so [I]146-dumbledore believe , without the chance to search [the school]1525-the school . [I]146-dumbledore am forced to conclude that [he]192-voldemort never fulfilled [his]192-voldemort ambition of collecting [four founders]6587-four founders ' objects . [He]192-voldemort definitely had two — [he]192-voldemort may have found three — that is the best [we]6585-us can do for now . "[146-dumbledore] " Even if [he]192-voldemort got something of [Ravenclaw]583-ravenclaw 's or of [Gryffindor]205-gryffindor 's , that leaves [a sixth Horcrux]6588-a sixth horcrux , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , counting on [his]136-harry fingers . " Unless [he]192-voldemort ’s got both ? "[136-harry] " [I]146-dumbledore do n't think so , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [I]146-dumbledore think [I]146-dumbledore know what the sixth Horcrux is . [I]146-dumbledore wonder what [you]146-dumbledore will say when [I]146-dumbledore confess that [I]146-dumbledore have been curious for a while about the behavior of the snake , [Nagini]584-nagini ? ' "[146-dumbledore] The snake ? " said [Harry]136-harry , startled . "[146-dumbledore] [You]146-dumbledore can use animals as [Horcruxes]511-horcruxes ? " "[136-harry] Well , it is inadvisable to do so , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , "[136-harry] because to confide a part of [your]3333-your soul to something that can think and move for itself is obviously a very risky business . However , if [my]0-i calculations are correct , [Voldemort]192-voldemort was still at least one Horcrux short of [his]192-voldemort goal of six when [he]192-voldemort entered [[[your]3333-your parents]5761-your parents ' house]3335-your parents ' house with the inten - tion of killing [you]3333-your . [He]192-voldemort seems to have reserved the process of making Horcruxes for particularly significant deaths . [You]3333-your would certainly have been that . [He]192-voldemort believed that in killing [you]3333-your , [he]192-voldemort was destroying the danger the prophecy had outlined . [He]192-voldemort believed [he]192-voldemort was making [himself]192-voldemort invin - cible . [I]0-i am sure that [he]192-voldemort was intending to make [his]192-voldemort final Horcrux with [your]3333-your death . As [we]3336-we know , [he]192-voldemort failed . After an interval of some years , however , [he]192-voldemort used [Nagini]584-nagini to kill [an old Muggle man]3337-an old muggle man , and it might then have occurred to [him]192-voldemort to turn [her]584-nagini into [his]192-voldemort last Horcrux . [She]584-nagini underlines the Slytherin connection , which enhances [Lord Voldemorts]585-voldemorts mys - tique ; [I]0-i think [he]192-voldemort is perhaps as fond of [her]584-nagini as [he]192-voldemort can be of anything ; [he]192-voldemort certainly likes to keep [her]584-nagini close , and [he]192-voldemort seems to have an un - usual amount of control over [her]584-nagini , even for [a Parselmouth]586-a parselmouth . " "[192-voldemort] So , " said [Harry]136-harry , "[192-voldemort] the diary 's gone , the ring 's gone . The cup , the locket , and the snake are still intact , and [you]3338-you think there might be a Horcrux that was once [Ravenclaw]583-ravenclaw 's or [Gryffindor]205-gryffindor 's ? " "[3338-you] An admirably succinct and accurate summary , yes , " said [Dum - bledore]587-dum - bledore , bowing [his]0-i head . "[3338-you] So . . . are [you]3338-you still looking for [them]3339-them , [sir]985-sir ? Is that where [you]3338-you 've been going when [you]3338-you 've been leaving [the school]1525-the school ? " "[3338-you] Correct , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[3338-you] [I]0-i have been looking for a very long time . [I]0-i think . . . perhaps ... [I]0-i may be close to finding an - other one . There are hopeful signs . " "[0-i] And if [you]0-i do , " said [Harry]136-harry quickly , "[0-i] can [I]0-i come with [you]0-i and help get rid of it ? " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore looked at [Harry]136-harry very intently for a moment before saying , "[0-i] Yes , [I]0-i think so . " "[0-i] [I]0-i can ? " said [Harry]136-harry , thoroughly taken aback . "[0-i] Oh yes , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , smiling slightly . "[0-i] [I]0-i think [you]0-i have earned that right . " [Harry]136-harry felt [his]136-harry heart lift . It was very good not to hear words of caution and protection for once . [The headmasters]6589-the headmasters and head - mistresses around the walls seemed less impressed by [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's decision ; [Harry]136-harry saw a few of [them]6589-the headmasters shaking [their]6589-the headmasters heads and [Phineas Nigellus]417-phineas nigellus actually snorted . "[0-i] Does [Voldemort]192-voldemort know when a Horcrux is destroyed , [sir]985-sir ? Can [he]192-voldemort feel it ? " [Harry]136-harry asked , ignoring the portraits . "[136-harry] A very interesting question , [Harry]136-harry . [I]0-i believe not . [I]0-i believe that [Voldemort]192-voldemort is now so immersed in evil , and these crucial parts of [himself]192-voldemort have been detached for so long , [he]192-voldemort does not feel as [we]3343-we do . Perhaps , at the point of death , [he]192-voldemort might be aware of [his]192-voldemort loss . . . but [he]192-voldemort was not aware , for instance , that the diary had been destroyed until [he]192-voldemort forced the truth out of [Lucius Malfoy]164-lucius . When [Voldemort]192-voldemort discovered that the diary had been mutilated and robbed of all its powers , [I]0-i am told that [his]192-voldemort anger was terrible to behold . " "[192-voldemort] But [I]0-i thought [he]192-voldemort meant [Lucius Malfoy]164-lucius to smuggle it into [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts ? " "[192-voldemort] Yes , [he]192-voldemort did , years ago , when [he]192-voldemort was sure [he]192-voldemort would be able to create more Horcruxes , but still [Lucius]164-lucius was supposed to wait for [Voldemorts]585-voldemorts say - so , and [he]164-lucius never received it , for [Voldemort]192-voldemort van - ished shortly after giving [him]164-lucius the diary . No doubt [he]192-voldemort thought that [Lucius]164-lucius would not dare do anything with the Horcrux other than guard it carefully , but [he]192-voldemort was counting too much upon [Lucius]164-lucius ’s fear of [a master who had been gone for years]3344-a master who had been gone for years and whom [Lucius]164-lucius believed dead . Of course , [Lucius]164-lucius did not know what the diary really was . [I]0-i understand that [Voldemort]192-voldemort had told [him]164-lucius the diary would cause [the Chamber of Secrets]5984-the chamber of secrets to reopen because it was cleverly enchanted . Had [Lucius]164-lucius known [he]164-lucius held a portion of [his]164-lucius mas - ters soul in [his]164-lucius hands , [he]164-lucius would undoubtedly have treated it with more reverence — but instead [he]164-lucius went ahead and carried out the old plan for [his]164-lucius own ends . By planting the diary upon [[Arthur Weasleys]588-arthur weasleys daughter]3346-arthur weasleys daughter , [he]164-lucius hoped to discredit [Arthur]588-arthur weasleys and get rid of a highly incrim - inating magical object in one stroke . Ah , [poor Lucius]164-lucius . . . what with [Voldemorts]585-voldemorts fury about the fact that [he]585-voldemorts threw away [the Horcrux]124-the horcrux for [his]585-voldemorts own gain , and the fiasco at [the Ministry]17-the ministry last year , [I]0-i would not be sur - prised if [he]585-voldemorts is not secretly glad to be safe in [Azkaban]3-azkaban at the moment . " [Harry]136-harry sat in thought for a moment , then asked , "[0-i] So if all of [his]585-voldemorts Horcruxes are destroyed , [Voldemort]192-voldemort couldbe killed ? " "[0-i] Yes , [I]0-i think so , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[0-i] Without [his]585-voldemorts Horcruxes , [Voldemort]192-voldemort will be [a mortal man with a maimed and diminished soul]3347-a mortal man with a maimed and diminished soul . Never forget , though , that while [his]585-voldemorts soul may be damaged be - yond repair , [his]585-voldemorts brain and [his]585-voldemorts magical powers remain intact . It will take uncommon skill and power to kill [a wizard like [Voldemort]192-voldemort even without [his]585-voldemorts Horcruxes]3348-a wizard like voldemort even without his horcruxes . " "[0-i] But [I]0-i have n't got uncommon skill and power , " said [Harry]136-harry , be - fore [he]0-i could stop [himself]0-i . "[0-i] Yes , [you]0-i have , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore firmly . "[0-i] [You]0-i have a power that [Voldemort]192-voldemort has never had . [You]0-i can — " "[0-i] [I]0-i know ! " said [Harry]136-harry impatiently . "[0-i] [I]0-i can love ! " It was only with difficulty that [he]0-i stopped [himself]0-i adding , "[0-i] Big deal ! " "[136-harry] Yes , [Harry]136-harry , [you]136-harry can love , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , who looked as though [he]146-dumbledore knew perfectly well what [Harry]136-harry had just refrained from saying . "[136-harry] Which , given everything that has happened to [you]136-harry , is a great and remarkable thing . [You]136-harry are still too young to understand how unusual [you]136-harry are , [Harry]136-harry . " "[136-harry] So , when the prophecy says that [I]0-i 'll have ' power [the Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord knows not , ' it just means — love ? " asked [Harry]136-harry , feeling a little let down . "[136-harry] Yes — just love , " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[136-harry] But [Harry]136-harry , never forget that what the prophecy says is only significant because [Voldemort]192-voldemort made it so . [I]0-i told [you]136-harry this at the end of last year . [Voldemort]192-voldemort singled [you]136-harry out as [the person who would be most dangerous to [him]192-voldemort]3350-the person who would be most dangerous to him — and in doing so , [he]192-voldemort made [you]136-harry [the person who would be most dan - gerous to [him]192-voldemort]3351-the person who would be most dan - gerous to him ! " "[192-voldemort] But it comes to the same — " "[192-voldemort] No , it does n't ! " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , sounding impatient now . Pointing at [Harry]136-harry with [his]146-dumbledore black , withered hand , [he]146-dumbledore said , "[192-voldemort] [You]136-harry are setting too much store by the prophecy ! " "[192-voldemort] But , " spluttered [Harry]136-harry , "[0-i] but [you]0-i said the prophecy means — “ "[0-i] If [Voldemort]192-voldemort had never heard of the prophecy , would it have been fulfilled ? Would it have meant anything ? Of course not ! Ho [you]136-harry think every prophecy in [the Hall of Prophecy]4749-the hall of prophecy has been fulfilled ? " "[136-harry] But , " said [Harry]136-harry , bewildered , "[0-i] but last year , [you]0-i said one of [us]3353-us would have to kill [the other]844-the other — " "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry , [Harry]136-harry , only because [Voldemort]192-voldemort made a grave error , and acted on [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney 's words ! If [Voldemort]192-voldemort had never murdered [[your]136-harry father]4684-your father , would [he]192-voldemort have imparted in [you]136-harry a furious desire for revenge ? Of course not ! If [he]192-voldemort had not forced [[your]136-harry mother]4687-your mother to die for [you]136-harry , would [he]192-voldemort have given [you]136-harry a magical protection [he]192-voldemort could not penetrate ? Of course not , [Harry]136-harry ! Do n't [you]136-harry see ? [Voldemort]192-voldemort [himself]192-voldemort created [[his]192-voldemort worst enemy]3357-his worst enemy , just as [tyrants]3358-tyrants everywhere do ! Have [you]136-harry any idea how much [tyrants]3358-tyrants fear [the people [they]3358-tyrants oppress]3360-the people they oppress ? [All of [them]2461-all of them]2461-all of them realize that , one day , amongst [[their]2461-all of them many victims]3362-their many victims , there is sure to be one who rises against [them]2461-all of them and strikes back ! [Voldemort]192-voldemort is no different ! Always [he]192-voldemort was on the lookout for the one who would challenge [him]192-voldemort . [He]192-voldemort heard the prophecy and [he]192-voldemort leapt into ac - tion , with the result that [he]192-voldemort not only handpicked [the man]874-the man most likely to finish [him]192-voldemort , [he]192-voldemort handed [him]192-voldemort uniquely deadly weapons ! " "[192-voldemort] But — " "[192-voldemort] It is essential that [you]136-harry understand this ! " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , standing up and striding about [the room]685-the room , [his]146-dumbledore glittering robes swooshing in [his]146-dumbledore wake ; [Harry]136-harry had never seen [him]146-dumbledore so agitated . "[192-voldemort] By attempting to kill [you]136-harry , [Voldemort]192-voldemort [himself]192-voldemort singled out [the remark - able person who sits here in front of [me]0-i , and gave [him]3364-the remark - able person who sits here in front of me , and gave him the tools for the job the tools for the job]3364-the remark - able person who sits here in front of me , and gave him the tools for the job ! It is [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's fault that [you]136-harry were able to see into [his]192-voldemort thoughts , [his]192-voldemort ambitions , that [you]136-harry even understand the snakelike language in which [he]192-voldemort gives orders , and yet , [Harry]136-harry , despite [your]136-harry privileged insight into [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's world ( which , incidentally , is a gift [any Death Eater]3365-any death eater would kill to have ) , [you]136-harry have never been se - duced by the Dark Arts , never , even for a second , shown the slight - est desire to become [one of [[Voldemort]192-voldemort 's followers]3367-voldemort 's followers]3366-one of voldemort 's followers ! " "[0-i] Of course [I]0-i have n't ! " said [Harry]136-harry indignantly . "[192-voldemort] [He]192-voldemort killed [[my]0-i mum]3269-my mum and [dad]4813-dad ! " "[192-voldemort] [You]136-harry are protected , in short , by [your]136-harry ability to love ! " said [Dum - bledore]587-dum - bledore loudly . "[192-voldemort] The only protection that can possibly work against the lure of power like [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's ! In spite of all the temptation [you]136-harry have endured , all the suffering , [you]136-harry remain pure of heart , just as pure as [you]136-harry were at the age of eleven , when [you]136-harry stared into a mir - ror that reflected [your]136-harry heart 's desire , and it showed [you]136-harry only the way to thwart [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort , and not immortality or riches . [Harry]136-harry , have [you]136-harry any idea how [few wizards]3370-few wizards could have seen what [you]136-harry saw in that mirror ? [Voldemort]192-voldemort should have known then what [he]192-voldemort was dealing with , but [he]192-voldemort did not ! But [he]192-voldemort knows it now . [You]136-harry have flitted into [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort 's mind without damage to [yourself]136-harry , but [he]192-voldemort can not possess [you]136-harry with - out enduring mortal agony , as [he]192-voldemort discovered in the Ministry . [I]0-i do not think [he]192-voldemort understands why , [Harry]136-harry , but then , [he]192-voldemort was in such a hurry to mutilate [his]192-voldemort own soul , [he]192-voldemort never paused to understand the incomparable power of a soul that is untarnished and whole . " "[192-voldemort] But , [sir]985-sir , " said [Harry]136-harry , making valiant efforts not to sound [argu - mentative]6591-argu - mentative , "[192-voldemort] it all comes to the same thing , does n't it ? [I]0-i 've got to try and kill [him]192-voldemort , or — " "[0-i] Got to ? " said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[0-i] Of course [you]136-harry 've got to ! But not because of the prophecy ! Because [you]136-harry , [yourself]136-harry , will never rest until [you]136-harry 've tried ! [We]3372-we both know it ! Imagine , please , just for a moment , that [you]136-harry had never heard that prophecy ! How would [you]136-harry feel about [Voldemort]192-voldemort now ? Think ! " [Harry]136-harry watched [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore striding up and down in front ol [him]136-harry , and thought . [He]136-harry thought of [[his]146-dumbledore mother]1264-his mother , [[his]146-dumbledore father]904-his father , and [Sinus]411-sinus . [He]136-harry thought of [Cedric Diggory]590-cedric diggory . [He]136-harry thought of all the terrible deeds [he]136-harry knew [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort had done . A flame seemed to leap inside [his]136-harry chest , searing [his]136-harry throat . "[0-i] [I]0-i 'd want [him]192-voldemort finished , " said [Harry]136-harry quietly . "[0-i] And [I]0-i 'd want to do it . " "[0-i] Of course [you]0-i would ! " cried [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[0-i] [You]0-i see , the prophecy does not mean [you]0-i have to do anything ! But the prophecy caused [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort to mark [you]0-i as [[his]192-voldemort equal]3373-his equal . ... In other words , [you]0-i are free to choose [your]0-i way , quite free to turn [your]0-i back on the prophecy ! But [Voldemort]192-voldemort continues to set store by the prophecy . [He]192-voldemort will continue to hunt [you]0-i . . . which makes it certain , really , that — " "[192-voldemort] That one of [us]3374-us is going to end up killing [the other]844-the other , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[192-voldemort] Yes . " But [he]136-harry understood at last what [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had been trying to tell [him]136-harry . It was , [he]136-harry thought , the difference between being dragged into [the arena]6594-the arena to face a battle to the death and walking into [the arena]6594-the arena with [your]0-i head held high . [Some people]6596-some people , perhaps , would say that there was little to choose between the two ways , but [Dumble - dore]367-dumble - dore knew — and so do [I]192-voldemort , thought [Harry]136-harry , with a rush of fierce pride , and so did [[my]192-voldemort parents]6597-my parents — that there was all the difference in [the world]714-the world .[192-voldemort] Chapter 24 : Sectumsempra Exhausted but delighted with [his]0-i night 's work , [Harry]136-harry told [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]358-hermione everything that had happened during next morning 's Charms lesson ( having first cast the Muffliato spell upon those nearest [them]3376-them ) . [They]3376-them were both satisfyingly impressed by the way [he]136-harry had wheedled the memory out of [Slughorn]216-slughorn and positively awed when [he]136-harry told [them]3376-them about [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's Horcruxes and [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's promise to take [Harry]136-harry along , should [he]136-harry find another one . " Wow , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , when [Harry]136-harry had finally finished telling [them]3376-them everything ; [Ron]217-ron was waving [his]217-ron wand very vaguely in the direction of the ceiling without paying the slightest bit of attention to what [he]217-ron was doing . " Wow . [You]217-ron 're actually going to go with [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . . . and try and destroy . . . wow . "[217-ron] " [Ron]217-ron , [you]217-ron 're making it snow , "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione patiently , grabbing [his]217-ron wrist and redirecting [his]217-ron wand away from the ceiling from which , sure enough , large white flakes had started to fall . [Lavender Brown]343-lavender , [Harry]136-harry noticed , glared at [Hermione]358-hermione from a neighboring table through very red eyes , and [Hermione]358-hermione immediately let go of [Rons]450-rons arm . " Oh yeah , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron , looking down at [his]217-ron shoulders in vague surprise . " Sorry ... looks like [we]6599-we 've all got horrible dandruff now . ... "[217-ron] [He]217-ron brushed some of the fake snow off [Hermiones]567-hermiones shoulder [Lavender]343-lavender burst into tears . [Ron]217-ron looked immensely guilty and turned [his]217-ron back on [her]358-hermione . " [We]6599-we split up , "[217-ron] [he]217-ron told [Harry]136-harry out of the corner of [his]217-ron mouth , " Last night . When [she]358-hermione saw [me]217-ron coming out of [the dormitory]2782-the dormitory with [Hermione]358-hermione . Obviously [she]358-hermione could n't see [you]136-harry , so [she]358-hermione thought it had just been the two of [us]6599-we . "[217-ron] " Ah , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Well — [you]136-harry do n't mind it 's over , do [you]136-harry ? "[136-harry] , " No , "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron admitted . " It was pretty bad while [she]358-hermione was yelling , but at least [I]217-ron did n't have to finish it . "[217-ron] " [Coward]591-coward , "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione , though [she]358-hermione looked amused . " Well , it was a bad night for romance all around . [Ginny]236-ginny and [Dean]261-dean split up too , [Harry]136-harry . "[358-hermione] [Harry]136-harry thought there was a rather knowing look in [her]358-hermione eye as [she]358-hermione told [him]136-harry that , but [she]358-hermione could not possibly know that [his]136-harry insides were suddenly dancing the conga . Keeping [his]136-harry face as immobile and [his]136-harry voice as indifferent as [he]136-harry could , [he]136-harry asked , " How come ? "[136-harry] " Oh , something really silly . . . [She]236-ginny said [he]136-harry was always trying to help [her]236-ginny through the portrait hole , like [she]236-ginny could n't climb in [herself]236-ginny . . . but [they]6601-they 've been a bit rocky for ages . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry glanced over at [Dean]261-dean on the other side of [the classroom]1627-the classroom . [He]261-dean certainly looked unhappy . " Of course , this puts [you]136-harry in a bit of a dilemma , does n't it ? "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione . " What d'you mean ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry quickly . " [The Quidditch team]6602-the quidditch team , "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione . " If [Ginnyand Dean]592-ginnyand dean are n't speaking . . . "[358-hermione] " Oh — oh yeah , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [Flitwick]383-professor flitwick , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron in a warning tone . [The tiny little Charms master]3378-the tiny little charms master was bobbing [his]3378-the tiny little charms master way toward [them]3379-their , and [Hermione]358-hermione was the only one who had managed to turn vinegar into wine ; [her]358-hermione glass flask was full of deep crimson liquid , whereas the contents of [Harry]136-harry 's and [Ron]217-ron 's were still murky brown . " Now , now , [boys]1488-boys , "[383-professor flitwick] squeaked [Professor Flitwick]383-professor flitwick reproachfully . " A little less talk , a little more action . . . Let [me]383-professor flitwick see [you]1488-boys try . . . . "[383-professor flitwick] Together [they]3379-their raised [their]3379-their wands , concentrating with all [their]3379-their might , and pointed them at [their]3379-their flasks . [Harry]136-harry 's vinegar turned to ice ; [Rons]450-rons flask exploded . " Yes ... for homework , "[383-professor flitwick] said [Professor Flitwick]383-professor flitwick , reemerging from under the table and pulling shards of glass out of the top of [his]383-professor flitwick hat , " practice . "[383-professor flitwick] [They]3379-their had one of [their]3379-their rare joint free periods after Charms and walked back to [the common room]1602-the common room together . [Ron]217-ron seemed to be positively lighthearted about the end of [his]217-ron relationship with [Lavender]343-lavender , and [Hermione]358-hermione seemed cheery too , though when asked what [she]358-hermione was grinning about [she]358-hermione simply said , " It 's a nice day . "[358-hermione] [Neither of [them]3379-their]2286-neither of them seemed to have noticed that a fierce battle was raging inside [Harry]136-harry 's brain : [[She]358-hermione 's [Rons sister]3383-rons sister]3382-she 's rons sister . But [she]358-hermione 's ditched [Dean]592-ginnyand dean ! [She]358-hermione 's still [Rons sister]3383-rons sister . [I]0-i 'm [[his]217-ron best mate]3385-his best mate ! That 'll make it worse . If [I]0-i talked to [him]217-ron first — [He]217-ron 'd hit [you]136-harry . What if [I]0-i do n't care ? [He]217-ron 's [[your]136-harry best mate]3386-your best mate ! [Harry]136-harry barely noticed that [they]3387-they were climbing through the portrait hole into [the sunny common room]3388-the sunny common room , and only vaguely registered [the small group of seventh years clustered together there]3389-the small group of seventh years clustered together there , until [Hermione]358-hermione cried , " [Katie]523-katie ! [You]523-katie 're back ! Are [you]523-katie okay ? "[358-hermione] [Harry]136-harry stared : It was indeed [Katie Bell]153-katie , looking completely healthy and surrounded by [[her]153-katie jubilant friends]3390-her jubilant friends . " [I]358-hermione 'm really well ! "[358-hermione] [she]358-hermione said happily . " [They]6604-they let [me]358-hermione out of [St. Mungos]119-st. mungos on Monday , [I]358-hermione had a couple of days at [home]1044-home with [Mum]235-mum and [Dad]242-dad and then came back [here]4439-here this morning . [Leanne]412-leanne was just telling [me]358-hermione about [McLaggen]302-mclaggen and the last match , [Harry]136-harry . . . . "[358-hermione] " Yeah , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , " well , now [you]3391-you 're back and [Ron]217-ron 's fit , [we]6607-we 'll have a decent chance of thrashing [Ravenclaw]583-ravenclaw , which means [we]6607-we could still be in the running for the Cup . Listen , [Katie]153-katie . . . "[136-harry] [He]136-harry had to put the question to [her]3391-you at once ; [his]136-harry curiosity even drove [Ginny]236-ginny temporarily from [his]136-harry brain . [He]136-harry dropped [his]136-harry voice as [[Katie]153-katie 's friends]3392-katie 's friends started gathering up [their]3392-katie 's friends things ; apparently [they]3392-katie 's friends were late for Transfiguration . " . . . that necklace . . . can [you]3391-you remember who gave it to [you]3391-you now ? "[136-harry] " No , "[153-katie] said [Katie]153-katie , shaking [her]153-katie head ruefully . " [Everyone]4750-everyone 's been asking [me]153-katie , but [I]153-katie have n't got a clue . The last thing [I]153-katie remember was walking into [[the ladies]6609-the ladies ' in [the Three Broomsticks]5536-the three broomsticks]6610-the ladies ' in the three broomsticks . "[153-katie] " [You]358-hermione definitely went into [the bathroom]5501-the bathroom , then ? "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione . " Well , [I]153-katie know [I]153-katie pushed open the door , "[153-katie] said [Katie]153-katie , " so [I]153-katie suppose whoever Imperiused [me]153-katie was standing just behind [it]6613-it . After that , [my]153-katie memory 's a blank until about two weeks ago in [St. Mungo 's]150-st. mungo . Listen , [I]153-katie 'd better go , [I]153-katie would n't put it past [McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall to give [me]153-katie lines even if it is [my]153-katie first day back . ... "[153-katie] [She]153-katie caught up [her]153-katie bag and books and hurried after [[her]153-katie friends]3393-her friends , leaving [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , and [Hermione]358-hermione to sit down at a window table and ponder what [she]153-katie had told [them]3393-her friends . " So it must have been [a girl]4778-a girl or a woman who gave [Katie]153-katie the necklace , "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione , " to be in [[the ladies]6609-the ladies ' bathroom]6616-the ladies ' bathroom . "[358-hermione] " Or someone who looked like [a girl]4778-a girl or [a woman]840-a woman , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Do n't forget , there was a cauldron full of Polyjuice Potion at Hog - warts . [We]6619-we know some of it got stolen . . . . "[136-harry] In [his]136-harry mind 's eye , [he]136-harry watched a parade of [Crabbes]593-crabbes and [Goyles]594-goyles prance past , all transformed into [girls]5261-girls . " [I]136-harry think [I]136-harry 'm going to take another swig of [Felix]358-hermione , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , " and have a go at [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement again . "[136-harry] " That would be a complete waste of potion , "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione flatly , putting down the copy of Spellmans Syllabary [she]358-hermione had just taken out of [her]358-hermione bag . " Luck can only get [you]6621-you so far , [Harry]136-harry . The situation with [Slughorn]216-slughorn was different ; [you]6621-you always had the ability to persuade [him]216-slughorn , [you]6621-you just needed to tweak the circumstances a bit . Luck is n't enough to get [you]6621-you through a powerful enchantment , though . Do n't go wasting the rest of that potion ! [You]6621-you 'll need all the luck [you]6621-you can get if [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore takes [you]6621-you along with [him]146-dumbledore ... "[358-hermione] [She]358-hermione dropped [her]358-hermione voice to a whisper . " Could n't [we]6622-we make some more ? "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron asked [Harry]136-harry , ignoring [Hermione]358-hermione . " It 'd be great to have a stock of it . ... Have a look in the book ... "[217-ron] [Harry]136-harry pulled [his]136-harry copy of Advanced Potion - Making out of [his]136-harry bap , and looked up [Felix Felicis]358-hermione . " [Blimey]246-blimey , its seriously complicated , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said , running an eye down the list of ingredients . " And it takes six months . , . [You]136-harry 've got to let it stew . ... "[136-harry] " Typical , "[217-ron] said [Ron]217-ron . [Harry]136-harry was about to put [his]136-harry book away again when [he]136-harry noticed the corner of a page folded down ; turning to it , [he]136-harry saw the Sectum - sempra spell , captioned " For [Enemies]6299-enemies , "[136-harry] that [he]136-harry had marked a few weeks previously . [He]136-harry had still not found out what it did , mainly because [he]136-harry did not want to test it around [Hermione]358-hermione , but [he]136-harry was considering trying it out on [McLaggen]302-mclaggen next time [he]136-harry came up behind [him]136-harry unawares . [The only person who was not particularly pleased to see [Katie Bell]153-katie back at [school]4622-school]3395-the only person who was not particularly pleased to see katie bell back at school was [Dean Thomas]261-dean , because [he]261-dean would no longer be required to fill [her]153-katie place as [Chaser]434-slytherin . [He]261-dean took the blow stoically enough when [Harry]136-harry told [him]261-dean , merely grunting and shrugging , but [Harry]136-harry had the distinct feeling as [he]136-harry walked away that [Dean]261-dean and [Seamus]330-seamus were muttering mutinously behind [his]136-harry back . The following fortnight saw the best Quidditch practices [Harry]136-harry had known as [Captain]2883-captain . [[His]136-harry team]1982-his team was so pleased to be rid of [McLaggen]302-mclaggen , so glad to have [Katie]153-katie back at last , that [they]1982-his team were flying extremely well . [Ginny]236-ginny did not seem at all upset about the breakup with [Dean]261-dean ; on the contrary , [she]236-ginny was the life and soul of [the team]4847-the team . [Her]236-ginny imitations of [Ron]217-ron anxiously bobbing up and down in front of the goal posts as the Quaffle sped toward [him]217-ron , or of [Harry]136-harry bellowing orders at [McLaggen]302-mclaggen before being knocked out cold , kept [them]1982-his team all highly amused . [Harry]136-harry , laughing with [the others]4977-the others , was glad to have an innocent reason to look at [Ginny]236-ginny ; [he]136-harry had received several more Bludger injuries during practice because [he]136-harry had not been keeping [his]136-harry eyes on [the Snitch]5672-the snitch . The battle still raged inside [his]136-harry head : [Ginny]236-ginny or [Ron]217-ron ? Sometimes [he]136-harry thought that [the post - Lavender Ron]3402-the post - lavender ron might not mind too much if [he]136-harry asked [Ginny]236-ginny out , but then [he]136-harry remembered [Ron]217-ron 's expression when [he]136-harry had seen [her]236-ginny kissing [Dean]261-dean , and was sure that [Ron]217-ron would consider it base treachery if [Harry]136-harry so much as held [her]236-ginny hand . . . . Yet [Harry]136-harry could not help [himself]136-harry talking to [Ginny]236-ginny , laughing with [her]236-ginny , walking back from practice with [her]236-ginny ; however much [his]136-harry conscience ached , [he]136-harry found [himself]136-harry wondering how best to get [her]236-ginny on [her]236-ginny own . It would have been ideal if [Slughorn]216-slughorn had given another of [his]216-slughorn little parties , for [Ron]217-ron would not be around — but unfortunately , [Slughorn]216-slughorn seemed to have given them up . Once or twice [Harry]136-harry considered asking for [Hermione]358-hermione 's help , but [he]136-harry did not think [he]136-harry could stand seeing the smug look on [her]358-hermione face ; [he]136-harry thought [he]136-harry caught it sometimes when [Hermione]358-hermione spotted [him]136-harry staring at [Ginny]236-ginny or laughing at [her]358-hermione jokes . And to complicate matters , [he]136-harry had the nagging worry that if [he]136-harry did n't do it , [somebody else]1515-somebody else was sure to ask [Ginny]236-ginny out soon : [He]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron were at least agreed on the fact that [she]236-ginny was too popular for [her]236-ginny own good . All in all , the temptation to take another gulp of [Felix Felicis]358-hermione was becoming stronger by the day , for surely this was a case for , as [Hermione]358-hermione put it , " tweaking the circumstances "[358-hermione] ? The balmy days slid gently through [May]223-molly , and [Ron]217-ron seemed to be there at [Harry]136-harry 's shoulder every time [he]136-harry saw [Ginny]236-ginny . [Harry]136-harry found [himself]136-harry longing for a stroke of luck that would somehow cause [Ron]217-ron to realize that nothing would make [him]136-harry happier than [[his]136-harry best friend]3404-his best friend and [[his]136-harry sister]5340-his sister falling for [each other]4377-each other and to leave [them]3407-them alone together for longer than a few seconds . There seemed no chance of either while the final Quidditch game of the season was looming ; [Ron]217-ron wanted to talk tactics with [Harry]136-harry all the time and had little thought for anything else . [Ron]217-ron was not unique in this respect ; interest in the Gryffindor - Ravenclaw game was running extremely high throughout [the school]1525-the school , for the match would decide the Championship , which was still wide open . If [Gryffindor]205-gryffindor beat [Ravenclaw]583-ravenclaw by a margin of three hundred points ( a tall order , and yet [Harry]136-harry had never known [[his]136-harry team]1982-his team to fly better ) then [they]1982-his team would win the Championship . If [they]1982-his team won by less than three hundred points , [they]1982-his team would come second to [Ravenclaw]583-ravenclaw ; if [they]1982-his team lost by a hundred points [they]1982-his team would be third behind [Hufflepuff]545-hufflepuff and if [they]1982-his team lost by more than a hundred , [they]1982-his team would be in fourth place and [nobody]687-nobody , [Harry]136-harry thought , would ever , ever let [him]136-harry forget that it had been [he]136-harry who had captained [Gryffindor]205-gryffindor to [their]1982-his team first bottom - of - the - table defeat in two centuries . The run - up to this crucial match had all the usual features : [members of [rival Houses]3412-rival houses]3411-members of rival houses attempting to intimidate [opposing teams]3413-opposing teams in [the corridors]1409-the corridors ; unpleasant chants about [individual players]3415-individual players being rehearsed loudly as [they]3415-individual players passed ; [the team members]3416-the team members [themselves]3416-the team members either swaggering around enjoying all the attention or else dashing into [bathrooms between classes]3417-bathrooms between classes to throw up . Somehow , the game had become inextricably linked in [Harry]136-harry 's mind with success or failure in [his]136-harry plans for [Ginny]236-ginny . [He]136-harry could not help feeling that if [they]1982-his team won by more than three hundred points , the scenes of euphoria and a nice loud after - match party might be just as good as a hearty swig of [Felix Felicis]358-hermione . In the midst of all [his]136-harry preoccupations , [Harry]136-harry had not forgotten [his]136-harry other ambition : finding out what [Malfoy]164-lucius was up to in [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement . [He]136-harry was still checking [the Marauder]518-the marauder 's Map , and as [he]136-harry was unable to locate [Malfoy]164-lucius on it , deduced that [Malfoy]164-lucius was still spending plenty of time within [the room]685-the room . Although [Harry]136-harry was losing hope that [he]136-harry would ever succeed in getting inside [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement , [he]136-harry attempted it whenever [he]136-harry was in [the vicinity]3421-the vicinity , but no matter how [he]136-harry reworded [his]136-harry request , the wall remained firmly doorless . A few days before the match against [Ravenclaw]583-ravenclaw , [Harry]136-harry found [himself]136-harry walking down to dinner alone from [the common room]1602-the common room , [Ron]217-ron having rushed off into [a nearby bathroom]3423-a nearby bathroom to throw up yet again , and [Hermione]358-hermione having dashed off to see [Professor Vector]595-professor vector about a mistake [she]358-hermione thought [she]358-hermione might have made in [her]358-hermione last Arithmancy essay . More out of habit than anything , [Harry]136-harry made [his]136-harry usual detour along [the seventh - floor corridor]3161-the seventh - floor corridor , checking [the Marauder]518-the marauder 's Map as [he]136-harry went . For a moment [he]136-harry could not find [Malfoy]164-lucius anywhere and assumed [he]164-lucius must indeed be inside [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement again , but then [he]136-harry saw [Malfoy]164-lucius 's tiny , labeled dot standing in [[a boys]3426-a boys ' bathroom on the floor below]3427-a boys ' bathroom on the floor below , accompanied , not by [Crabbe]313-crabbe or [Goyle]312-goyle , but by [Moaning Myrtle]243-moaning myrtle . [Harry]136-harry only stopped staring at [this unlikely coupling]3428-this unlikely coupling when [he]136-harry walked right into a suit of armor . The loud crash brought [him]136-harry out of [his]136-harry reverie ; hurrying from the scene lest [Filch]476-filch turn up , [he]136-harry dashed down [the marble staircase]2856-the marble staircase and along [the passageway below]3430-the passageway below . Outside [the bathroom]5501-the bathroom , [he]136-harry pressed [his]136-harry ear against the door . [He]136-harry could not hear anything . [He]136-harry very quietly pushed the door open . [Draco Malfoy]170-malfoy was standing with [his]170-malfoy back to the door , [his]170-malfoy hands clutching either side of the sink , [his]170-malfoy white - blond head bowed . " Do n't , "[243-moaning myrtle] crooned [Moaning Myrtle]243-moaning myrtle 's voice from one of [the cubicles]3432-the cubicles . " Do n't . . . tell [me]243-moaning myrtle what 's wrong ... [I]243-moaning myrtle can help [you]136-harry . . . . "[243-moaning myrtle] " [No one]4841-no one can help [me]170-malfoy , "[170-malfoy] said [Malfoy]170-malfoy . [His]170-malfoy whole body was shaking . " [I]170-malfoy ca n't do it . ... [I]170-malfoy ca n't . ... It wo n't work . . . and unless [1]170-malfoy do it soon ... [he]170-malfoy says [he]170-malfoy 'll kill [me]170-malfoy . ... "[170-malfoy] And [Harry]136-harry realized , with a shock so huge it seemed to root [him]136-harry to the spot , that [Malfoy]170-malfoy was crying — actually crying — tears streaming down [his]170-malfoy pale face into the grimy basin . [Malfoy]170-malfoy gasped and gulped and then , with a great shudder , looked up into flu - cracked mirror and saw [Harry]136-harry staring at [him]170-malfoy over [his]136-harry shoulder . [Malfoy]170-malfoy wheeled around , drawing [his]170-malfoy wand . Instinctively , [Harry]136-harry pulled out [his]136-harry own . [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's hex missed [Harry]136-harry by inches , shattering the lamp on the wall beside [him]136-harry ; [Harry]136-harry threw [himself]136-harry sideways , thought [Levicorpus]486-levicorpus ! and flicked [his]136-harry wand , but [Malfoy]170-malfoy blocked the jinx and raised [his]170-malfoy wand for another — " No ! No ! Stop it ! "[170-malfoy] squealed [Moaning Myrtle]243-moaning myrtle , [her]243-moaning myrtle voice echoing loudly around [the tiled room]3433-the tiled room . " Stop ! STOP ! "[243-moaning myrtle] There was a loud bang and the bin behind [Harry]136-harry exploded ; [Harry]136-harry attempted a Leg - Locker Curse that backfired off the wall be - hind [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's ear and smashed the cistern beneath Moaning Myr - tle , who screamed loudly ; water poured everywhere and [Harry]136-harry slipped as [Malfoy]170-malfoy , [his]170-malfoy face contorted , cried , " Cruci — "[170-malfoy] " SECTUMSEMPRA ! "[136-harry] bellowed [Harry]136-harry from the floor , waving [his]136-harry wand wildly . Blood spurted from [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's face and chest as though [he]170-malfoy had been slashed with an invisible sword . [He]170-malfoy staggered backward and collapsed onto the waterlogged floor with a great splash , [his]170-malfoy wand falling from [his]170-malfoy limp right hand . " No — "[136-harry] gasped [Harry]136-harry . Slipping and staggering , [Harry]136-harry got to [his]136-harry feet and plunged toward [Malfoy]170-malfoy , whose face was now shining scarlet , [his]170-malfoy white hands scrabbling at [his]170-malfoy blood - soaked chest . " No — [I]136-harry did n't — "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry did not know what [he]136-harry was saying ; [he]136-harry fell to [his]136-harry knees beside [Malfoy]170-malfoy , who was shaking uncontrollably in a pool of [his]170-malfoy own blood . [Moaning Myrtle]243-moaning myrtle let out a deafening scream : " MURDER ! MURDER IN [THE BATHROOM]5501-the bathroom ! MURDER ! "[243-moaning myrtle] The door banged open behind [Harry]136-harry and [he]136-harry looked up , terrified : [Snape]221-snape had burst into [the room]685-the room , [his]221-snape face livid . Pushing [Harry]136-harry roughly aside , [he]136-harry knelt over [Malfoy]170-malfoy , drew [his]136-harry wand , and traced it over the deep wounds [Harry]136-harry 's curse had made , muttering an incantation that sounded almost like song . The flow of blood seemed to ease ; [Snape]221-snape wiped the residue from [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's face and repeated [his]221-snape spell . Now the wounds seemed to be knitting . [Harry]136-harry was still watching , horrified by what [he]136-harry had done , barely aware that [he]136-harry too was soaked in blood and water . [Moaning Myrtle]243-moaning myrtle was still sobbing and wailing overhead . When [Snape]221-snape had performed [his]221-snape countercurse for the third time , [he]221-snape half - lifted [Malfoy]170-malfoy into a standing position . " [You]170-malfoy need [the hospital wing]5397-the hospital wing . There may be a certain amount of scarring , but if [you]170-malfoy take dittany immediately [we]6627-we might avoid even that .. . . Come .... "[221-snape] [He]221-snape supported [Malfoy]170-malfoy across [the bathroom]5501-the bathroom , turning at the door to say in a voice of cold fury , " And [you]170-malfoy , [Potter]136-harry . . . [You]170-malfoy wait here for [me]221-snape . "[221-snape] It did not occur to [Harry]136-harry for a second to disobey . [He]136-harry stood up slowly , shaking , and looked down at the wet floor . There were bloodstains floating like crimson flowers across its surface . [He]136-harry could not even find it in [himself]136-harry to tell [Moaning Myrtle]243-moaning myrtle to be quiet , as [she]243-moaning myrtle continued to wail and sob with increasingly evident enjoyment . [Snape]221-snape returned ten minutes later . [He]221-snape stepped into [the bathroom]5501-the bathroom and closed the door behind [him]221-snape . " Go , "[221-snape] [he]221-snape said to [Myrtle]243-moaning myrtle , and [she]243-moaning myrtle swooped back into [her]243-moaning myrtle toilet at once , leaving a ringing silence behind [her]243-moaning myrtle . " [I]136-harry did n't mean it to happen , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry at once . [His]136-harry voice echoed in the cold , watery space . " [I]136-harry did n't know what that spell did . "[136-harry] But [Snape]221-snape ignored this . " Apparently [I]221-snape underestimated [you]136-harry , [Potter]136-harry , "[221-snape] [he]221-snape said quietly . " Who would have thought [you]136-harry knew such Dark Magic ? Who taught [you]136-harry that spell ? "[221-snape] " [I]136-harry — read about it somewhere . "[136-harry] " Where ? "[221-snape] " It was — a library book , "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry invented wildly . " [I]136-harry ca n't remember what it was call — "[136-harry] " Liar , "[221-snape] said [Snape]221-snape . [Harry]136-harry 's throat went dry . [He]136-harry knew what [Snape]221-snape was going to do and [he]136-harry had never been able to prevent it . ... [The bathroom]5501-the bathroom seemed to shimmer before [his]136-harry eyes ; [he]136-harry struggled to block out all thought , but try as [he]136-harry might , the Half - Blood [Prince]136-harry 's copy of Advanced Potion - Making swam hazily to the forefront of [his]136-harry mind . And then [he]136-harry was staring at [Snape]221-snape again , in the midst of [this wrecked , soaked bathroom]3438-this wrecked , soaked bathroom . [He]136-harry stared into [Snape]221-snape 's black eyes , hoping against hope that [Snape]221-snape had not seen what [he]136-harry feared , but — " Bring [me]221-snape [[your]136-harry schoolbag]6628-your schoolbag , "[221-snape] said [Snape]221-snape softly , " and all of [[your]136-harry schoolbooks]6629-your schoolbooks . All of them . Bring them to [me]221-snape here . Now ! "[221-snape] There was no point arguing . [Harry]136-harry turned at once and splashed out of [the bathroom]5501-the bathroom . Once in [the corridor]4994-the corridor , [he]136-harry broke into a run toward [Gryffindor Tower]78-gryffindor tower . [Most people]4725-most people were walking the other way ; [they]4725-most people gaped at [him]136-harry , drenched in water and blood , but [he]136-harry answered none of the questions fired at [him]136-harry as [he]136-harry ran past . [He]136-harry felt stunned ; it was as though [a beloved pet]3442-a beloved pet had turned suddenly savage ; what had [the Prince]1725-the prince been thinking to copy such a spell into [his]1725-the prince book ? And what would happen when [Snape]221-snape saw it ? Would [he]221-snape tell [Slughorn]216-slughorn — [Harry]136-harry 's stomach churned — how [Harry]136-harry had been achieving such good results in Potions all year ? Would [he]221-snape confiscate or destroy the book that had taught [Harry]136-harry so much . . . the book that had become [a kind of guide and friend]3444-a kind of guide and friend ? [Harry]136-harry could not let it happen . . . . [He]136-harry could not . . . " Where 've [you]217-ron — ? Why are [you]217-ron soaking — ? Is that blood . "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron was standing at the top of [the stairs]884-the stairs , looking bewildered at , the sight of [Harry]136-harry . " [I]136-harry need [your]217-ron book , "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry panted . " [Your]217-ron Potions book . Quick . . . give it to [me]136-harry . . . "[136-harry] " But what about the Half - Blood — "[217-ron] " [I]217-ron 'll explain later ! "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron pulled [his]217-ron copy of Advanced Potion - Making out of [his]217-ron bag and handed it over ; [Harry]136-harry sprinted off past [him]217-ron and back to [the common room]1602-the common room . Here , [he]136-harry seized [his]136-harry schoolbag , ignoring the amazed looks of [several people who had already finished [their]3447-several people who had already finished their dinner dinner]3447-several people who had already finished their dinner , threw [himself]136-harry back out of the portrait hole , and hurtled off along [the seventh - floor corridor]3161-the seventh - floor corridor . [He]136-harry skidded to a halt beside the tapestry of [dancing trolls]3449-dancing trolls , closed [his]136-harry eyes , and began to walk . [I]0-i need a place to hide [my]0-i book . . . . [I]0-i need a place to hide [my]0-i book . . . . [I]0-i need a place to hide [my]0-i book . ... Three times [he]136-harry walked up and down in front of the stretch of blank wall . When [he]136-harry opened [his]136-harry eyes , there it was at last : the door to [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement . [Harry]136-harry wrenched it open , flung [him]136-harry self inside , and slammed it shut . [He]136-harry gasped . Despite [his]136-harry haste , [his]136-harry panic , [his]136-harry fear of what awaited [him]136-harry back in [the bathroom]5501-the bathroom , [he]136-harry could not help but be overawed by what [he]136-harry was looking at . [He]136-harry was standing in a room the size of [a large cathedral , whose high windows were sending shafts of light]3452-a large cathedral , whose high windows were sending shafts of light down upon what looked like [a city with towering walls , built of what [Harry]136-harry knew must be objects hidden by [generations of [Hogwarts inhabitants]3455-hogwarts inhabitants]3454-generations of hogwarts inhabitants]3453-a city with towering walls , built of what harry knew must be objects hidden by generations of hogwarts inhabitants . There were [alleyways]3456-alleyways and [roads bordered by tetering piles of broken and damaged furniture]3457-roads bordered by tetering piles of broken and damaged furniture , stowed away , perhaps , to hide the evidence of mishandled magic , or else hidden by [castle - proud house - elves]3458-castle - proud house - elves . There were thousands and thousands of books , no doubt banned or graffitied or stolen . There were winged catapults and Fanged Frisbees , some still with enough life in them to hover halfheartedly over the mountains of other forbidden items ; there were chipped bottles of congealed potions , hats , jewels , cloaks ; there were what looked like dragon eggshells , corked bottles whose contents still shimmered evilly , several rusting swords , and a heavy , bloodstained axe . [Harry]136-harry hurried forward into one of [the many alleyways between all this hidden treasure]3459-the many alleyways between all this hidden treasure . [He]136-harry turned right past an enormous stuffed troll , ran on a short way , took a left at [the broken Vanishing Cabinet in which [Montague]596-montague had got lost the previous year]3460-the broken vanishing cabinet in which montague had got lost the previous year , finally pausing beside a large cupboard that seemed to have had acid thrown at [its]3460-the broken vanishing cabinet in which montague had got lost the previous year blistered surface . [He]136-harry opened one of the cupboard 's creaking doors : It had already been used as a hiding place for something in a cage that had long since died ; its skeleton had five legs . [He]136-harry stuffed the Half - Blood Princes book behind the cage and slammed the door . [He]136-harry paused for a moment , [his]136-harry heart thumping horribly , gazing around at all the clutter . . . . Would [he]136-harry be able to find this spot again amidst all this junk ? Seizing the chipped bust of [an ugly old warlock from on top of a nearby crate]3461-an ugly old warlock from on top of a nearby crate , [he]136-harry stood it on top of the cupboard where the book was now hidden , perched a dusty old wig and a tarnished tiara on the statues head to make it more distinctive , then sprinted back through [the alleyways of hidden junk]3462-the alleyways of hidden junk as fast as [he]136-harry could go , back to the door , back out onto [the corridor]4994-the corridor , where [he]136-harry slammed the door behind [him]136-harry , and it turned at once back into stone . [Harry]136-harry ran flat - out toward [the bathroom on the floor below]3464-the bathroom on the floor below , cramming [Ron]217-ron 's copy of Advanced Potion - Making into [his]136-harry bag as [he]136-harry did so . A minute later , [he]136-harry was back in front of [Snape]221-snape , who held out [his]221-snape hand wordlessly for [Harry]136-harry 's schoolbag . [Harry]136-harry handed it over , panting , a searing pain in [his]136-harry chest , and waited . One by one , [Snape]221-snape extracted Harrys books and examined them . , Finally , the only book left was the Potions book , which [he]221-snape looked at very carefully before speaking . " This is [your]221-snape copy of Advanced Potion - Making , is it , [Potter]136-harry ? "[221-snape] " Yes , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , still breathing hard . " [You]221-snape 're quite sure of that , are [you]136-harry , [Potter]136-harry ? "[136-harry] " Yes , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , with a touch more defiance . " This is the copy of Advanced Potion - Making that [you]221-snape purchased from [Flourish]264-flourish and Blotts ? "[136-harry] " Yes , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry firmly . " Then why , "[221-snape] asked [Snape]221-snape , " does it have the name ' [Roonil Wazlib]554-roonil wazlib ' written inside the front cover ? "[221-snape] [Harrys]269-harrys heart missed a beat . " That 's [my]136-harry nickname , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said . ' " [Your]136-harry nickname , "[221-snape] repeated [Snape]221-snape . ; " Yeah . . . that 's what [[my]136-harry friends]2763-my friends call [me]136-harry , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [I]221-snape understand what a nickname is , "[221-snape] said [Snape]221-snape . The cold , black eyes were boring once more into [Harry]136-harry 's ; [he]136-harry tried not to look into them . Close [your]3465-your mind . . . . Close [your]3465-your mind . . . . But [he]136-harry had never learned how to do it properly . . . . " Do [you]136-harry know what [I]221-snape think , [Potter]136-harry ? "[221-snape] said [Snape]221-snape , very quietly . " [I]221-snape think that [you]136-harry are [a liar and a cheat]6631-a liar and a cheat and that [you]136-harry deserve detention with [me]221-snape every Saturday until the end of term . "[221-snape] What do [you]221-snape think , [Potter]136-harry ? " "[0-i] [I]0-i — [I]0-i do n't agree , [sir]985-sir , " said [Harry]136-harry , still refusing to look into [Snape]221-snape 's eyes . "[0-i] Well , [we]3467-we shall see how [you]136-harry feel after [your]136-harry detentions , " said [Snape]221-snape . "[3467-we] Ten o'clock Saturday morning , [Potter]136-harry . [[My]0-i office]4453-my office . " "[136-harry] But [sir]985-sir . . . " said [Harry]136-harry , looking up desperately . "[985-sir] [Quidditch]519-quidditch . . . the last match of the ... " "[3467-we] Ten o'clock , " whispered [Snape]221-snape , with a smile that showed [his]221-snape yellow teeth . "[3467-we] [Poor Gryffindor]597-gryffindor . . . fourth place this year , [I]0-i fear ... " And [he]221-snape left [the bathroom]5501-the bathroom without another word , leaving [Harry]136-harry to stare into the cracked mirror , feeling sicker , [he]136-harry was sure , than [Ron]217-ron had ever felt in [his]217-ron life . "[0-i] [I]0-i wo n't say ' [I]0-i told [you]136-harry so , ' " said [Hermione]358-hermione , an hour later in [the common room]1602-the common room . "[0-i] Leave it , [Hermione]358-hermione , " said [Ron]217-ron angrily . [Harry]136-harry had never made it to dinner ; [he]136-harry had no appetite at all . [He]136-harry had just finished telling [Ron]217-ron , [Hermione]358-hermione , and [Ginny]236-ginny what had happened , not that there seemed to have been much need . The news had traveled very fast : Apparently [Moaning Myrtle]243-moaning myrtle had taken it upon [herself]243-moaning myrtle to pop up in [every bathroom in [the castle]4540-the castle]6634-every bathroom in the castle to tell the story ; [Malfoy]170-malfoy had already been visited in [the hospital wing]5397-the hospital wing by [Pansy Parkinson]314-pansy , who had lost no time in vilifying [Harry]136-harry far and wide , and [Snape]221-snape had told [the staff]4724-the staff precisely what had happened . [Harry]136-harry had already been called out of [the common room]1602-the common room to endure fifteen highly unpleasant minutes in the company of [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall , who had told [him]136-harry [he]136-harry was lucky not to have been expelled and that [she]251-professor mcgonagall supported wholeheartedly [Snape]221-snape 's punishment of detention every Saturday until the end of term . "[0-i] [I]0-i told [you]3470-you there was something wrong with [that Prince person]3471-that prince person , " [Hermione]358-hermione said , evidently unable to stop [herself]358-hermione . "[0-i] And [I]0-i was right , was n't [I.]0-i " "[0-i] No , [I]0-i do n't think [you]0-i were , " said [Harry]136-harry stubbornly . [He]136-harry was having a bad enough time without [Hermione]358-hermione lecturing [him]136-harry ; the looks on [the Gryffindor team]2310-the gryffindor team 's faces when [he]136-harry had told [them]2310-the gryffindor team [he]136-harry would not be able to play on Saturday had been the worst punishment of all . [He]136-harry could feel [Ginny]236-ginny 's eyes on [him]136-harry now but did not meet [them]2310-the gryffindor team ; [he]136-harry did not want to see disappointment or anger there . [He]136-harry had just told [her]236-ginny that [she]236-ginny would be playing [Seeker]598-seeker on Saturday and that [Dean]261-dean would be rejoining the team as [Chaser]434-slytherin in [her]236-ginny place . Perhaps , if [they]2310-the gryffindor team won , [Ginny]236-ginny and [Dean]261-dean would make up during the post - match euphoria . . . . The thought went through [Harry]136-harry like an icy knife . . . . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry , " said [Hermione]358-hermione , "[136-harry] how can [you]136-harry still stick up for that book when that spell — " "[3472-you] Will [you]3472-you stop harping on about the book ! " snapped [Harry]136-harry . "[3472-you] [The Prince]136-harry only copied it out ! It 's not like [he]136-harry was advising [anyone]660-anyone to use it ! For all [we]3474-we know , [he]136-harry was making a note of something that had been used against [him]136-harry ! " "[136-harry] [I]0-i do n't believe this , " said [Hermione]358-hermione . "[136-harry] [You]136-harry 're actually defending — " [I]136-harry 'm not defending what [I]136-harry did ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry quickly . " [I]136-harry wish 1 ; had n't done it , and not just because [I]136-harry 've got about a dozen detentions . [You]3472-you know [I]136-harry would n't 've used a spell like that , not even on [Malfoy]170-malfoy , but [you]3472-you ca n't blame [the Prince]1725-the prince , [he]1725-the prince had n't written ' try this out , it 's really good ' — [he]1725-the prince was just making notes for [himself]1725-the prince , was n't [he]1725-the prince , not for [anyone else]1540-anyone else . . . . "[136-harry] " Are [you]136-harry telling [me]358-hermione , "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione , " that [you]136-harry 're going to go back — ? "[358-hermione] " And get the book ? Yeah , [I]136-harry am , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry forcefully . " Listen , without [the Prince]1725-the prince [I]136-harry 'd never have won the Felix Felicis . [I]136-harry 'd never have known how to save [Ron]217-ron from poisoning , [I]136-harry 'd never have — "[136-harry] " — got a reputation for Potions brilliance [you]136-harry do n't deserve , "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione nastily . " Give it a rest , [Hermione]358-hermione ! "[236-ginny] said [Ginny]236-ginny , and [Harry]136-harry was so amazed , so grateful , [he]136-harry looked up . " By the sound of it , [Malfoy]170-malfoy was trying to use an Unforgivable Curse , [you]136-harry should be glad [Harry]136-harry had something good up [his]136-harry sleeve ! "[136-harry] " Well , of course [I]358-hermione 'm glad [Harry]136-harry was n't cursed ! "[358-hermione] said [Hermione]358-hermione , clearly stung . " But [you]136-harry ca n't call that Sectumsempra spell good , [Ginny]236-ginny , look where it 's landed [him]136-harry ! And [I]358-hermione 'd have thought , seeing what this has done to [your]136-harry chances in the match — "[358-hermione] " Oh , do n't start acting as though [you]136-harry understand [Quidditch]519-quidditch , "[236-ginny] snapped [Ginny]236-ginny , " [you]136-harry 'll only embarrass [yourself]136-harry . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron stared : [Hermione]358-hermione and [Ginny]236-ginny , who had always got on together very well , were now sitting with [their]3475-their arms folded , glaring in opposite directions . [Ron]217-ron looked nervously at [Harry]136-harry , then snatched up a book at random and hid behind it . [Harry]136-harry , however , little though [he]136-harry knew [he]136-harry deserved it , felt unbelievably cheerful all of a sudden , even though [none of [them]3477-them]4723-none of them spoke again for the rest of the evening . [His]136-harry lightheartedness was short - lived . There were [Slytherin]434-slytherin taunts to be endured next day , not to mention much anger from [fellow Gryffindors , who were most unhappy that [[their]3478-fellow gryffindors , who were most unhappy that their captain had got himself banned from the final match of the season Captain]3479-their captain had got [himself]3479-their captain banned from the final match of the season]3478-fellow gryffindors , who were most unhappy that their captain had got himself banned from the final match of the season . By Saturday morning , whatever [he]136-harry might have told [Hermione]358-hermione , [Harry]136-harry would have gladly exchanged all the Felix Felicis in [the world]714-the world to be walking down to [the Quidditch pitch]1913-the quidditch pitch with [Ron]217-ron , [Ginny]236-ginny , and [the others]4977-the others . It was almost unbearable to turn away from the mass of [students]967-students streaming out into the sunshine , all of [them]967-students wearing rosettes and hats and brandishing banners and scarves , to descend the stone steps into [the dungeons]5814-the dungeons and walk until the distant sounds of [the crowd]4912-the crowd were quite obliterated , knowing that [he]136-harry would not be able to hear a word of commentary or a cheer or groan . " Ah , [Potter]136-harry , "[221-snape] said [Snape]221-snape , when [Harry]136-harry had knocked on [his]136-harry door and entered [the unpleasantly familiar office]3486-the unpleasantly familiar office that [Snape]221-snape , despite teaching floors above now , had not vacated ; [it]3486-the unpleasantly familiar office was as dimly lit as ever and the same slimy dead objects were suspended in colored potions all around the walls . Ominously , there were many cob - webbed boxes piled on a table where [Harry]136-harry was clearly supposed to sit ; they had an aura of tedious , hard , and pointless work about them . " [Mr. Filch]327-filch has been looking for [someone]5066-someone to clear out these old files , "[221-snape] said [Snape]221-snape softly . " They are the records of [other Hogwarts wrongdoers]6644-other hogwarts wrongdoers and [their]6644-other hogwarts wrongdoers punishments . Where the ink has grown faint , or the cards have suffered damage from mice , [we]6645-we would like [you]136-harry to copy out the crimes and punishments afresh and , making sure that they are in alphabetical order , replace them in the boxes . [You]136-harry will not use magic . "[221-snape] " Right , [Professor]4626-professor , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , with as much contempt as [he]136-harry could put into the last three syllables . " [I]221-snape thought [you]136-harry could start , "[221-snape] said [Snape]221-snape , a malicious smile on [his]221-snape lips , " with boxes one thousand and twelve to one thousand and fifty - six . [You]136-harry will find some familiar names in there , which should add interest to the task . Here , [you]136-harry see . . . "[221-snape] [He]221-snape pulled out a card from one of the topmost boxes with a flourish and read , " [James Potter]136-harry and [Sirius Black]144-sirius . Apprehended using an illegal hex upon [Bertram Aubrey]599-bertram aubrey . [Aubreys]600-aubreys head twice normal size . Double detention . "[221-snape] [Snape]221-snape sneered . " It must be such a comforting thing that , though [they]6647-they are gone , a record of [their]6647-they great achievements remains . "[221-snape] [Harry]136-harry felt the familiar boiling sensation in the pit of [his]136-harry stomach . Biting [his]136-harry tongue to prevent [himself]136-harry retaliating , [he]136-harry sat down in front of the boxes and pulled one toward [him]136-harry . It was , as [Harry]136-harry had anticipated , useless , boring work , punctuated ( as [Snape]221-snape had clearly planned ) with the regular jolt in the stomach that meant [he]136-harry had just read [[his]136-harry father]904-his father or [Sirius]144-sirius 's names , usually coupled together in various petty misdeeds , occasionally accompanied by those of [Remus Lupin]227-lupin and [Peter Pettigrew]601-peter pettigrew . And while [he]136-harry copied out all [their]3488-their various offenses and punishments , [he]136-harry wondered what was going on outside , where the match would have just started . . . [Ginny]236-ginny playing Seeker against [Cho]298-cho . . . [Harry]136-harry glanced again and again at the large clock ticking on the wall . It seemed to be moving half as fast as a regular clock ; perhaps [Snape]221-snape had bewitched it to go extra slowly ? [He]221-snape could not have been [here]4439-here for only half an hour ... an hour ... an hour and a half . . . . [Harry]136-harry 's stomach started rumbling when the clock showed half past twelve . [Snape]221-snape , who had not spoken at all since setting [Harry]136-harry [his]136-harry task , finally looked up at ten past one . " [I]221-snape think that will do , "[221-snape] [he]221-snape said coldly . " Mark [the place [you]136-harry have reached]6648-the place you have reached . [You]136-harry will continue at ten o'clock next Saturday . "[221-snape] Yes , [sir]985-sir . [Harry]136-harry stuffed a bent card into the box at random and hurried out of the door before [Snape]221-snape could change [his]136-harry mind , racing back up [the stone steps]2077-the stone steps , straining [his]136-harry ears to hear a sound from the pitch , but all was quiet . ... It was over , then . . . . [He]136-harry hesitated outside [the crowded Great Hall]3492-the crowded great hall , then ran up the marble staircase ; whether [Gryffindor]597-gryffindor had won or lost , [the team]4847-the team usually celebrated or commiserated in [[their]4847-the team own common room]3494-their own common room . " Quid agis ? "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said tentatively to [the Fat Lady]2094-the fat lady , wondering what [he]136-harry would find inside . [Her]2094-the fat lady expression was unreadable as [she]2094-the fat lady replied , " [You]136-harry 'll see . "[2094-the fat lady] And [she]2094-the fat lady swung forward . A roar of celebration erupted from the hole behind [her]2094-the fat lady . [Harry]136-harry gaped as [people]681-people began to scream at the sight of [him]136-harry ; several hands pulled [him]136-harry into [the room]685-the room . " [We]6649-we won ! "[217-ron] yelled [Ron]217-ron , bounding into sight and brandishing the silver Cup at [Harry]136-harry . " [We]6649-we won ! Four hundred and fifty to a hundred and forty ! [We]6649-we won ! "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry looked around ; there was [Ginny]236-ginny running toward [him]136-harry ; [she]236-ginny had a hard , blazing look in [her]236-ginny face as [she]236-ginny threw [her]236-ginny arms around [him]136-harry . And without thinking , without planning it , without worrying about the fact that [fifty people]3498-fifty people were watching , [Harry]136-harry kissed [her]236-ginny . After several long moments — or it might have been half an hour — or possibly several sunlit days — [they]3499-they broke apart . [The room]685-the room had gone very quiet . Then [several people]5208-several people wolf - whistled and there was an outbreak of nervous giggling . [Harry]136-harry looked over the top of [Ginny]236-ginny 's head to see [Dean Thomas]261-dean holding a shattered glass in [his]261-dean hand , and [Romilda Vane]293-romilda vane looking as though [she]3502-she might throw something . [Hermione]358-hermione was beaming , but [Harry]136-harry 's eyes sought [Ron]217-ron . At last [he]136-harry found [him]217-ron , still clutching the Cup and wearing an expression appropriate to having been clubbed over the head . For a fraction of a second [they]3499-they looked at [each other]4377-each other , then [Ron]217-ron gave a tiny jerk of the head that [Harry]136-harry understood to mean , Well — if [you]3504-you must . The creature in [his]136-harry chest roaring in triumph , [he]136-harry grinned down at [Ginny]236-ginny and gestured wordlessly out of the portrait hole . A long walk in [the grounds]1899-the grounds seemed indicated , during which — if [they]3499-they had time — [they]3499-they might discuss the match . Chapter 25 : The Seer Overheard The fact that [Harry Potter]136-harry was going out with [Ginny Weasley]236-ginny seemed to interest [a great number of people]3506-a great number of people , [most of [them]3506-a great number of people [girls]5261-girls]3507-most of them girls , yet [Harry]136-harry found [himself]136-harry newly and happily impervious to gossip over the next few weeks . After all , it made a very nice change to be talked about because of something that was making [him]136-harry happier than [he]136-harry could remember being for a very long time , rather than because [he]136-harry had been involved in hor - rific scenes of Dark magic . ' [You]3504-you 'd think [people]681-people had better things to gossip about , ' said [Ginny]236-ginny , as [she]236-ginny sat on [the common - room floor]3510-the common - room floor , leaning against [Harry]136-harry 's legs and reading the Daily Prophet . Three Dementor attacks in a week , and all [Romilda Vane]293-romilda vane does is ask [me]0-i if it 's true [you]3504-you 've got a Hippogriff tattooed across [your]3504-you chest . ' [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]358-hermione both roared with laughter . [Harry]136-harry ignored [them]3511-them . ' What did [you]217-ron tell [her]358-hermione ? ' ' ? told [her]358-hermione it 's a Hungarian Horntail , ' said [Ginny]236-ginny , turning a page of the newspaper idly . ' Much more macho . ' Thanks , ' said [Harry]136-harry , grinning . ' And what did [you]217-ron tell [her]358-hermione [Ron]217-ron 's got ? ' ' A Pygmy Puff , but [I]0-i did n't say where . ' [Ron]217-ron scowled as [Hermione]358-hermione rolled around laughing . ' Watch it , ' [he]217-ron said , pointing wamingly at [Harry]136-harry and [Ginny]236-ginny . ' Just because [I]0-i 've given [my]0-i permission does n't mean [I]0-i ca n't withdraw it - ' " Tour permission "[236-ginny] , ' scoffed [Ginny]236-ginny . ' Since when did [you]217-ron give [me]0-i permission to do anything ? Anyway , [you]217-ron said [yourself]217-ron [you]217-ron 'd rather it was [Harry]136-harry than [Michael]275-michael corner or [Dean]261-dean . ' ' Yeah , 1 would , ' said [Ron]217-ron grudgingly . ' And just as long as [you]217-ron do n't start snogging [each other]4377-each other in public - ' ' [[You]217-ron filthy hypocrite]3513-you filthy hypocrite ! What about [you]217-ron and [Lavender]343-lavender , thrash - ing around like a pair of eels all over [the place]4424-the place ? ' demanded [Ginny]236-ginny . But [Ron]217-ron 's tolerance was not to be tested much as [they]3515-they moved into [June]18-june , for [Harry]136-harry and [Ginny]236-ginny 's time together was becoming increasingly restricted . [Ginny]236-ginny 's O.W.L.s were approaching and [she]236-ginny was therefore forced to revise for hours into the night . On one such evening , when [Ginny]236-ginny had retired to [the library]2354-the library and [Harry]136-harry was sitting beside the window in [the common room]1602-the common room , supposedly finishing [his]136-harry Herbology [home]1044-home - work but in reality reliving a particularly happy hour [he]136-harry had spent down by [the lake]1523-the lake with [Ginny]236-ginny at lunch - time , [Hermione]358-hermione dropped into the seat between [him]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron with an unpleasantly purposeful look on [her]358-hermione face . ' [I]0-i want to talk to [you]136-harry , [Harry]136-harry . ' ' What about ? ' said [Harry]136-harry suspiciously . Only the previous day , [Hermione]358-hermione had told [him]136-harry off for distracting [Ginny]236-ginny when [she]236-ginny ought to be working hard for [her]236-ginny examinations . [The so - called Half - Blood Prince]3520-the so - called half - blood prince . ' ' Oh , not again , ' [he]136-harry groaned . ' Will [you]0-i please drop it ? ' [He]136-harry had not dared to return to [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement to retrieve [his]136-harry book , and [his]136-harry performance in Potions was suffer - ing accordingly ( though [Slughorn]216-slughorn , who approved of [Ginny]236-ginny , had jocularly attributed this to [Harry]136-harry being lovesick ) . But [Harry]136-harry was sure that [Snape]221-snape had not yet given up hope of laying hands on [the Prince]136-harry 's book , and was determined to leave it where it was while [Snape]221-snape remained on the lookout . ' [I]0-i 'm not dropping it , ' said [Hermione]358-hermione firmly , ' until [you]136-harry 've heard [me]0-i out . Now , [I]0-i 've been trying to find out a bit about who might make a hobby of inventing Dark spells - ' ' [He]136-harry did n't make a hobby of it - ' ' [He]136-harry , [he]136-harry - who says it 's a [he]136-harry ? ' ' [We]3522-we 've been through this , ' said [Harry]136-harry crossly . ' [Prince]136-harry , [Hermione]358-hermione , [Prince]5884-prince ! ' ' Right ! ' said [Hermione]358-hermione , red patches blazing in [her]358-hermione cheeks as [she]358-hermione pulled a very old piece of newsprint out of [her]358-hermione pocket and slammed it down on the table in front of [Harry]136-harry . ' Look at that ! Look at the picture ! ' [Harry]136-harry picked up the crumbling piece of paper and stared at the moving photograph , yellowed with age ; [Ron]217-ron leaned over for a look , too . The picture showed [a skinny girl of around fifteen]3524-a skinny girl of around fifteen . [She]3524-a skinny girl of around fifteen was not pretty ; [she]3524-a skinny girl of around fifteen looked simultaneously cross and sullen , with heavy brows and a long , pallid face . Under - neath the photograph was the caption : [Eileen Prince]602-eileen prince , [Captain of the Hogwarts Gobstones Team]3525-captain of the hogwarts gobstones team . ' So ? ' said [Harry]136-harry , scanning the short news item to which the picture belonged ; it was a rather dull story about inter - school competitions . ' [Her]3524-a skinny girl of around fifteen name was [Eileen Prince]602-eileen prince . [Prince]5884-prince , [Harry]136-harry . ' [They]3527-they looked at [each other]4377-each other and [Harry]136-harry realised what [Hermione]358-hermione was trying to say . [He]136-harry burst out laughing . ' No way . ' ' What ? ' ' [You]358-hermione think [she]3524-a skinny girl of around fifteen was [the Half - Blood ...]3529-the half - blood ... ? Oh , come on . ' ' Well , why not ? [Harry]136-harry , there are n't [any real princes in [the wizarding world]1034-the wizarding world]3530-any real princes in the wizarding world ! It 's either a nickname , a made - up title [somebody]1513-somebody 's given [themselves]1513-somebody , or it could be [their]1513-somebody actual name , could n't it ? No , listen ! If , say , [[her]3524-a skinny girl of around fifteen father]1797-her father was [a wizard]4450-a wizard whose surname was " Prince "[4450-a wizard] , and [[her]3524-a skinny girl of around fifteen mother]1912-her mother was [a Muggle]5296-a muggle , then that would make [her]3524-a skinny girl of around fifteen [a " half - blood Prince "]6650-a " half - blood prince "[358-hermione] ! ' ' Yeah , very ingenious , [Hermione]358-hermione ... ' ' But it would ! Maybe [she]3524-a skinny girl of around fifteen was proud of being [half a Prince]3537-half a prince ! ' ' Listen , [Hermione]358-hermione , [I]0-i can tell it 's not [a girl]4778-a girl . [I]0-i can just tell . ' The truth is that [you]0-i do n't think [a girl]4778-a girl would have been clever enough , ' said [Hermione]358-hermione angrily . ' How can [I]0-i have hung round with [you]358-hermione for five years and not think [girls]5261-girls are clever ? ' said [Harry]136-harry , stung by this . ' It 's the way [he]136-harry writes . [I]0-i just know [the Prince]1725-the prince was [a bloke]3542-a bloke , [I]0-i can tell . [This girl]2150-this girl has n't got anything to do with it . Where did [you]358-hermione get this , anyway ? ' ‘ [The library]2354-the library , ' said [Hermione]358-hermione , predictably . There 's a whole collection of old Prophets up there . Well , [I]0-i 'm going to find out more about [Eileen Prince]602-eileen prince if [I]0-i can . ' ' Enjoy [yourself]0-i , ' said [Harry]136-harry irritably . ' [I]0-i will , ' said [Hermione]358-hermione . ' And the first place [I]0-i 'll look , ' [she]358-hermione shot at [him]136-harry , as [she]358-hermione reached the portrait hole , ' is records of old Potions awards ! ' [Harry]136-harry scowled after [her]358-hermione for a moment , then continued [his]136-harry contemplation of the darkening sky . ' [She]2150-this girl 's just never got over [you]136-harry outperforming [her]2150-this girl in Potions , ' said [Ron]217-ron , returning to [his]217-ron copy of One Thousand Magical Herbs and [Fungi]603-fungi . ' [You]136-harry do n't think [I]0-i 'm mad , wanting that book back , do [you]136-harry ? ' ' Course not , ' said [Ron]217-ron robustly . ' [He]3545-he was [a genius]3546-a genius , [the Prince]136-harry . Anyway ... without [his]3545-he bezoar tip ... ' [he]217-ron drew [his]217-ron finger significantly across [his]217-ron own throat , ' [I]0-i would n't be here to discuss it , would [I]0-i ? [I]0-i mean , [I]0-i 'm not saying that spell [you]136-harry used on [Malfoy]170-malfoy was great - ' ' Nor am [I]0-i , ' said [Harry]136-harry quickly . ' But [he]3545-he healed all right , did n't [he]3545-he ? Back on [his]3545-he feet in no time . ' ' Yeah , ' said [Harry]136-harry ; this was perfectly true , although [his]136-harry con - science squirmed slightly all the same . Thanks to [Snape]221-snape ... ' ' [You]136-harry still got detention with [Snape]221-snape this Saturday ? ' [Ron]217-ron continued . ' Yeah , and the Saturday after that , and the Saturday after that , ' sighed [Harry]136-harry . ' And [he]221-snape 's hinting now that if [I]0-i do n't get all the boxes done by the end of term , [we]3547-we 'll carry on next year . ' [He]0-i was finding these detentions particularly irksome because they cut into the already limited time [he]0-i could have been spending with [Ginny]236-ginny . Indeed , [he]0-i had frequently won - dered lately whether [Snape]221-snape did not know this , for [he]221-snape was keeping [Harry]136-harry later and later every time , while making pointed asides about [Harry]136-harry having to miss the good weather and the varied opportunities it offered . [Harry]136-harry was shaken from these bitter reflections by the appearance at [his]136-harry side of [Jimmy Peakes]395-peakes , who was holding out a scroll of parchment . ‘ Thanks , [Jimmy]395-peakes ... hey , it 's from [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ! ' said [Harry]136-harry excitedly , unrolling the parchment and scanning it . ' [He]221-snape wants [me]0-i to go to [[his]221-snape office]652-his office as quick as [1]0-i can ! ' [They]3547-we stared at [each other]4377-each other . ' [Blimey]246-blimey , ' whispered [Ron]217-ron . ' [You]136-harry do n't reckon ... [he]221-snape has n't found ... ? ' ' Better go and see , had n't [I]0-i ? ' said [Harry]136-harry , jumping to [his]136-harry feet . [He]136-harry hurried out of [the common room]1602-the common room and along [the seventh floor]6322-the seventh floor as fast as [he]136-harry could , passing [nobody]687-nobody but [Peeves]460-peeves , who swooped past in the opposite direction , throwing bits of chalk at [Harry]136-harry in a routine sort of way and cackling loudly as [he]136-harry dodged [Harry]136-harry 's defensive jinx . Once [Peeves]460-peeves had vanished , there was silence in [the corridors]1409-the corridors ; with only fifteen minutes left until curfew , [most people]4725-most people had already returned to [[their]4725-most people common rooms]3555-their common rooms . And then [Harry]136-harry heard a scream and a crash . [He]136-harry stopped in [his]136-harry tracks , listening . ' How - dare - [you]3556-you - aaaaargh ! ' The noise was coming from [a corridor nearby]3557-a corridor nearby ; [Harry]136-harry sprinted towards it , [his]136-harry wand at the ready , hurtled round another corner and saw [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney sprawled upon the floor , [her]333-professor trelawney head covered in one of [her]333-professor trelawney many shawls , several sherry bottles lying beside [her]333-professor trelawney , one broken . ' [Professor]4626-professor - ' [Harry]136-harry hurried forwards and helped [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney to [her]333-professor trelawney feet . Some of [her]333-professor trelawney glittering beads had become entangled with [her]333-professor trelawney glasses . [She]333-professor trelawney hiccoughed loudly , patted [her]333-professor trelawney hair and pulled [herself]333-professor trelawney up on [Harry]136-harry 's helping arm . ' What happened , [Professor]4626-professor ? ' ' [You]136-harry may well ask ! ' [she]333-professor trelawney said shrilly . ' [I]0-i was strolling along , brooding upon certain Dark portents 1 happen to have glimpsed ... ' But [Harry]136-harry was not paying much attention . [He]136-harry had just noticed where [they]3560-they were standing : there on the right was the tapestry of [dancing trolls]3449-dancing trolls and , on the left , that smoothly impenetrable stretch of stone wall that concealed - ' [Professor]4626-professor , were [you]4626-professor trying to get into [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement ? ' ' ... omens [I]0-i have been vouchsafed - what ? ' [She]333-professor trelawney looked suddenly shifty . [The Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement , ' repeated [Harry]136-harry . ' Were [you]4626-professor try - ing to get in [there]4506-there ? ' ' [I]0-i - well - [I]0-i did n't know [students]967-students knew about - ' ' Not all of [them]967-students do , ' said [Harry]136-harry . ' But what happened ? [You]4626-professor screamed ... it sounded as though [you]4626-professor were hurt ... ' ' [I]0-i - well , ' said [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney , drawing [her]333-professor trelawney shawls around [her]333-professor trelawney defensively and staring down at [him]136-harry with [her]333-professor trelawney vastly magnified eyes . ' [I]0-i wished to - ah - deposit certain – um - personal items in [the Room]685-the room ... ' And [she]333-professor trelawney muttered something about ' nasty accusations ' . ' Right , ' said [Harry]136-harry , glancing down at the sherry bottles . ' But [you]4626-professor could n't get in and hide them ? ' [He]136-harry found this very odd ; [the Room]685-the room had opened for [him]136-harry , after all , when [he]136-harry had wanted to hide the Half - Blood Prince 's book . ' Oh , [I]0-i got in all right , ' said [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney , glaring at the wall . ' But there was [somebody]1513-somebody already in [there]4506-there . ' ' [Somebody]1513-somebody in - ? Who ? ' demanded [Harry]136-harry . ' Who was in [there]4506-there ? ' ' ? have no idea , ' said [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney , looking slightly taken aback at the urgency in [Harry]136-harry 's voice . ' [I]0-i walked into [the Room]685-the room and [I]0-i heard a voice , which has never happened before in all [my]0-i years of hiding - of using [the Room]685-the room , [I]0-i mean . ' ' A voice ? Saying what ? ' ' [I]0-i do n't know that it was saying anything , ' said [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney . ' It was ... whooping . ' ' Whooping ? ' ' Gleefully , ' [she]333-professor trelawney said , nodding . [Harry]136-harry stared at [her]333-professor trelawney . ' Was it male or female ? ' ' ? would hazard a guess at male , ' said [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney . ' And it sounded happy ? ' ' Very happy , ' said [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney sniffily . ' As though it was celebrating ? ' ' Most definitely . ' ' And then - ? ' ' And then [I]0-i called out , " Who 's [there]4506-there ? "[0-i] ' ' [You]0-i could n't have found out who it was without asking ? ' [Harry]136-harry asked [her]333-professor trelawney , slightly frustrated . ‘ The Inner Eye , ' said [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney with dignity , straightening [her]333-professor trelawney shawls and many strands of glittering beads , ' was fixed upon matters well outside the mundane realms of whooping voices . ' ' Right , ' said [Harry]136-harry hastily ; [he]136-harry had heard about [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney 's Inner Eye all too often before . ' And did the voice say who was there ? ' ' No , it did not , ' [she]333-professor trelawney said . ' Everything went pitch black and the next thing [I]0-i knew , [I]0-i was being hurled headfirst out of [the Room]685-the room ! ' ' And [you]333-professor trelawney did n't see that coming ? ' said [Harry]136-harry , unable to help [himself]136-harry . ' No , [I]0-i did not , as [I]0-i say , it was pitch - ' [She]333-professor trelawney stopped and glared at [him]136-harry suspiciously . ' [I]0-i think [you]333-professor trelawney 'd better tell [Professor Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , ' said [Harry]136-harry . ' [He]146-dumbledore ought to know [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's celebrating - [I]0-i mean , that [some - one]3576-some - one threw [you]333-professor trelawney out of [the Room]685-the room . ' To [his]136-harry surprise , [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney drew [herself]333-professor trelawney up at this suggestion , looking haughty . [The Headmaster]1054-the headmaster has intimated that [he]1054-the headmaster would prefer fewer visits from [me]0-i , ' [she]333-professor trelawney said coldly . [I]0-i am not one to press [my]0-i company upon [those who do not value it]3579-those who do not value it . If [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore chooses to ignore the warnings the cards show - ' [Her]333-professor trelawney bony hand closed suddenly around [Harry]136-harry 's wrist . ' Again and again , no matter how [I]0-i lay them out - ' And [she]333-professor trelawney pulled a card dramatically from underneath [her]333-professor trelawney shawls . ' - [the lightning - struck tower]3580-the lightning - struck tower , ' [she]333-professor trelawney whispered . ' Calamity . Disaster . Coming nearer all the time ... ' ' Right , ' said [Harry]136-harry again . ' Well ... [I]0-i still think [you]333-professor trelawney should tell [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore about this voice and everything going dark and being thrown out of [the Room]685-the room ... ' ' [You]333-professor trelawney think so ? ' [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney seemed to consider the matter for a moment , but [Harry]136-harry could tell that [she]333-professor trelawney liked the idea of retelling [her]333-professor trelawney little adventure . ' [I]0-i 'm going to see [him]146-dumbledore right now , ' said [Harry]136-harry . ' [I]0-i 've got a meeting with [him]146-dumbledore . [We]3582-we could go together . ' ' Oh , well , in that case , ' said [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney with a smile . [She]333-professor trelawney bent down , scooped up [her]333-professor trelawney sherry bottles and dumped them unceremoniously in a large blue and white vase standing in a nearby niche . ' [I]0-i miss having [you]136-harry in [my]0-i classes , [Harry]136-harry , ' [she]333-professor trelawney said soulfully , as [they]3582-we set off together . ' [You]136-harry were never much of [a Seer]3583-a seer ... but [you]136-harry were [a wonderful Object]3584-a wonderful object ... ' [Harry]136-harry did not reply ; [he]136-harry had loathed being the Object of [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney 's continual predictions of doom . ' [I]0-i am afraid , ' [she]333-professor trelawney went on , ' that the nag - [I]0-i 'm sorry , [the centaur]3585-the centaur - knows nothing of cartomancy . [I]0-i asked [him]3585-the centaur - [one Seer]3586-one seer to another - had [he]3585-the centaur not , too , sensed the distant vibra - tions of coming catastrophe ? But [he]3585-the centaur seemed to find [me]0-i almost comical . Yes , comical ! ' [Her]333-professor trelawney voice rose rather hysterically and [Harry]136-harry caught a powerful whiff of sherry even though the bottles had been left behind . ' Perhaps the horse has heard [people]681-people say that [I]0-i have not inherited [[my]0-i great - great - grandmother]3588-my great - great - grandmother 's gift . Those rumours have been bandied about by [the jealous]3589-the jealous for years . [You]136-harry know what [I]0-i say to [such people]3590-such people , [Harry]136-harry ? Would [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore have let [me]0-i teach at [this great school]3591-this great school , put so much trust in [me]0-i all these years , had [I]0-i not proved [myself]0-i to [him]3585-the centaur ? ' [Harry]136-harry mumbled something indistinct . ' [I]0-i well remember [my]0-i first interview with [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , ' went on [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney , in throaty tones . ' [He]146-dumbledore was deeply impressed , of course , deeply impressed ... [I]0-i was staying at [the Hog 's Head]2037-the hog 's head , which [I]0-i do not advise , incidentally - [bed bugs]3593-bed bugs , [dear boy]5779-dear boy - but funds were low . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore did [me]0-i the courtesy of calling upon [me]0-i in [[my]0-i room at [the inn]1281-the inn]3595-my room at the inn . [He]146-dumbledore questioned [me]0-i ... [I]0-i must confess that , at first , [I]0-i thought [he]146-dumbledore seemed ill - disposed towards Divination ... and [I]0-i remember [I]0-i was starting to feel a little odd , [I]0-i had not eaten much that day ... but then ... ' And now [Harry]136-harry was paying attention properly for the first time , for [he]136-harry knew what had happened then : [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney had made the prophecy that had altered the course of [his]136-harry whole life , the prophecy about [him]136-harry and [Voldemort]192-voldemort . ' ... but then [we]3597-we were rudely interrupted by [Severus Snape]156-snape ! ' ' What ? ' ' Yes , there was a commotion outside the door and it flew open , and there was [that rather uncouth barman standing with [Snape]156-snape , who was waffling about having come the wrong way up the stairs]3598-that rather uncouth barman standing with snape , who was waffling about having come the wrong way up the stairs , although [I]0-i 'm afraid that [I]0-i [myself]0-i rather thought [he]3598-that rather uncouth barman standing with snape , who was waffling about having come the wrong way up the stairs had been apprehended eavesdropping on [my]0-i interview with [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore - [you]3599-you see , [he]3598-that rather uncouth barman standing with snape , who was waffling about having come the wrong way up the stairs [himself]3598-that rather uncouth barman standing with snape , who was waffling about having come the wrong way up the stairs was seeking a job at the time , and no doubt hoped to pick up tips ! Well , after that , [you]3599-you know , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore seemed much more dis - posed to give [me]0-i a job , and [I]0-i could not help thinking , [Harry]136-harry , that it was because [he]3598-that rather uncouth barman standing with snape , who was waffling about having come the wrong way up the stairs appreciated the stark contrast between [my]0-i own unassuming manners and quiet talent , compared to [the pushing , thrusting young man who was prepared to listen at keyholes]3600-the pushing , thrusting young man who was prepared to listen at keyholes - [Harry]136-harry , [dear]4656-dear ? ' [She]3602-her looked back over [her]3602-her shoulder , having only just real - ised that [Harry]136-harry was no longer with [her]3602-her ; [he]136-harry had stopped walking and [they]3603-they were now ten feet from [each other]4377-each other . ' [Harry]136-harry ? ' [she]3602-her repeated uncertainly . Perhaps [his]136-harry face was white , to make [her]3602-her look so concerned and frightened . [Harry]136-harry was standing stock - still as waves of shock crashed over [him]136-harry , wave after wave , obliterating every - thing except the information that had been kept from [him]136-harry for so long ... It was [Snape]156-snape who had overheard the prophecy . [It]156-snape was [Snape]156-snape who had carried the news of the prophecy to [Voldemort]192-voldemort . [Snape]156-snape and [Peter Pettigrew]601-peter pettigrew together had sent [Voldemort]192-voldemort hunt - ing after [Lily]203-lily and [James]395-peakes and [[their]3605-their son]3606-their son ... Nothing else mattered to [Harry]136-harry just now . ' [Harry]136-harry ? ' said [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney again . ' [Harry]136-harry - [I]0-i thought [we]3607-we were going to see [the Headmaster]1054-the headmaster together ? ' ' [You]0-i stay here , ' said [Harry]136-harry through numb lips . ' But , dear ... [I]0-i was going to tell [him]1054-the headmaster how [I]0-i was assaulted in [the Room]685-the room of- ' ' [You]0-i stay here ! ' [Harry]136-harry repeated angrily . [She]3610-she looked alarmed as [he]136-harry ran past [her]3610-she , round the corner into [[Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's corridor]3611-dumbledore 's corridor , where [the lone gargoyle]3612-the lone gargoyle stood sentry . [Harry]136-harry shouted the password at [the gargoyle]2964-the gargoyle and ran up [the moving spiral staircase]3614-the moving spiral staircase three steps at a time . [He]136-harry did not knock upon [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's door , [he]136-harry hammered ; and the calm voice answered ' Enter ' after [Harry]136-harry had already flung [himself]136-harry into [the room]685-the room . [Fawkes]365-fawkes the phoenix looked round , [his]365-fawkes bright black eyes gleaming with reflected gold from the sunset beyond the window . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was standing at the window look - ing out at [the grounds]1899-the grounds , a long , black travelling cloak in [his]146-dumbledore arms . ' Well , [Harry]136-harry , [I]0-i promised that [you]136-harry could come with [me]0-i . ' For a moment or two , [Harry]136-harry did not understand ; the con - versation with [Trelawney]333-professor trelawney had driven everything else out of [his]136-harry head and [his]136-harry brain seemed to be moving very slowly . ' Come ... with [you]333-professor trelawney ... ? ' ' Only if [you]333-professor trelawney wish it , of course . ' ' If [I]0-i ... ' And then [Harry]136-harry remembered why [he]136-harry had been eager to come to [[Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's office]4815-dumbledore 's office in the first place . ' [You]333-professor trelawney 've found one ? [You]333-professor trelawney 've found a Horcrux ? ' ' [I]0-i believe so . ' Rage and resentment fought shock and excitement : for several moments , [Harry]136-harry could not speak . ' It is natural to be afraid , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . ' [I]0-i 'm not scared ! ' said [Harry]136-harry at once , and it was perfectly true ; fear was one emotion [he]136-harry was not feeling at all . ' Which Horcrux is it ? Where is it ? ' ' [I]0-i am not sure which it is - though [I]0-i think [we]3618-we can rule out the snake - but [I]0-i believe it to be hidden in [a cave on [the coast]3620-the coast many miles from here]3619-a cave on the coast many miles from here , [a cave [I]0-i have been trying to locate]3621-a cave i have been trying to locate for a very long time : [the cave in which [Tom Riddle]379-riddle once terror]3622-the cave in which tom riddle once terror - ised [two children from [[his]379-riddle orphanage]6287-his orphanage on [their]3623-two children from his orphanage on their annual trip annual trip]3623-two children from his orphanage on their annual trip ; [you]136-harry remember ? ' ' Yes , ' said [Harry]136-harry . ' How is it protected ? ' ' [I]0-i do not know ; [I]0-i have suspicions that may be entirely wrong . ' [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore hesitated , then said , ' [Harry]136-harry , [I]0-i promised [you]136-harry that [you]136-harry could come with [me]0-i , and [I]0-i stand by that prom - ise , but it would be very wrong of [me]0-i not to warn [you]136-harry that this will be exceedingly dangerous . ' ' [I]0-i 'm coming , ' said [Harry]136-harry , almost before [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had finished speaking . Boiling with anger at [Snape]156-snape , [his]136-harry desire to do something desperate and risky had increased tenfold in the last few minutes . This seemed to show on [Harry]136-harry 's face , for [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore moved away from the window , and looked more closely at [Harry]136-harry , a slight crease between [his]146-dumbledore silver eyebrows . ' What has happened to [you]136-harry ? ' ' Nothing , ' lied [Harry]136-harry promptly . ' What has upset [you]136-harry ? ' ' [I]0-i 'm not upset . ' ' [Harry]136-harry , [you]136-harry were never [a good Occlumens]3625-a good occlumens - ' The word was the spark that ignited [Harry]136-harry 's fury . ' [Snape]156-snape ! ' [he]136-harry said , very loudly , and [Fawkes]365-fawkes gave a soft squawk behind [them]3626-them . ' [Snape]156-snape 's what 's happened ! [He]156-snape told [Voldemort]192-voldemort about the prophecy , it was [him]156-snape , [he]156-snape listened outside the door , [Trelawney]333-professor trelawney told [me]0-i ! ' [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's expression did not change , but [Harry]136-harry thought [his]146-dumbledore face whitened under the bloody tinge cast by the setting sun . For a long moment , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore said nothing . ' When did [you]136-harry find out about this ? ' [he]136-harry asked at last . ' Just now ! ' said [Many]604-many , who was refraining from yelling with enormous difficulty . And then , suddenly , [he]604-many could not stop [himself]604-many . ' AND [YOU]136-harry LET [HIM]156-snape TEACH HERE AND [HE]156-snape TOLD [VOLDEMORT]192-voldemort TO GO AFTER [MY]0-i MUM AND [DAD]242-dad ! ' Breathing hard as though [he]136-harry were fighting , [Harry]136-harry turned away from [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , who still had not moved a muscle , and paced up and down [the study]3627-the study , rubbing [his]146-dumbledore knuckles in [his]146-dumbledore hand and exercising every last bit of restraint to prevent [himself]146-dumbledore knocking things over . [He]136-harry wanted to rage and storm at [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , but [he]136-harry also wanted to go with [him]146-dumbledore to try and destroy [the Horcrux]124-the horcrux ; [he]136-harry wanted to tell [him]146-dumbledore that [he]146-dumbledore was [a fool]3628-a fool - [ish old man for trusting [Snape]156-snape]3629-ish old man for trusting snape , but [he]136-harry was terrified that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore would not take [him]146-dumbledore along unless [he]146-dumbledore mastered [his]146-dumbledore anger ... ' [Harry]136-harry , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore quietly . ' Please listen to [me]0-i . ' It was as difficult to stop [his]146-dumbledore relentless pacing as to refrain from shouting . [Harry]136-harry paused , biting [his]136-harry lip , and looked into [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's lined face . ' [Professor Snape]221-snape made a terrible - ' ' Do n't tell [me]0-i it was a mistake , [sir]985-sir , [he]221-snape was listening at the door ! ' ' Please let [me]0-i finish . ' [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore waited until [Harry]136-harry had nodded curtly , then went on . ' [Professor Snape]221-snape made a terrible mistake . [He]221-snape was still in [[Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort 's employ]3631-lord voldemort 's employ on the night [he]221-snape heard the first half of [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney 's prophecy . Naturally , [he]221-snape hastened to tell [[his]221-snape master]6188-his master what [he]221-snape had heard , for it concerned [[his]221-snape master]6188-his master most deeply . But [he]221-snape did not know - [he]221-snape had no possible way of knowing - which boy [Voldemort]192-voldemort would hunt from then onwards , or that [the parents]3634-the parents [he]221-snape would destroy in [his]221-snape murderous quest were people that [Professor Snape]221-snape knew , that [they]3634-the parents were [[your]3635-your mother]4687-your mother and [father]1133-father - ' [Harry]136-harry let out a yell of mirthless laughter . ' [He]221-snape hated [[my]0-i dad]5008-my dad like [he]221-snape hated [Sirius]144-sirius ! Have n't [you]6188-his master noticed , [Professor]4626-professor , how [the people Snape]3640-the people snape hates tend to end up dead ? ' ' [You]6188-his master have no idea of the remorse [Professor Snape]221-snape felt when [he]221-snape realised how [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort had interpreted the prophecy , [Harry]136-harry . [I]0-i believe it to be the greatest regret of [his]221-snape life and the reason that [he]221-snape returned - ' ' But [he]221-snape 's [a very good Occlumens]3641-a very good occlumens , is n't [he]221-snape , [sir]985-sir ? ' said [Harry]136-harry , whose voice was shaking with the effort of keeping it steady . ' And is n't [Voldemort]192-voldemort convinced that [Snape]221-snape 's on [his]221-snape side , even now ? [Professor]4626-professor ... how can [you]6188-his master be sure [Snape]221-snape 's on [our]3644-our side ? ' [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore did not speak for a moment ; [he]146-dumbledore looked as though [he]146-dumbledore was trying to make up [his]146-dumbledore mind about something . At last [he]146-dumbledore said , ' [I]0-i am sure . [I]0-i trust [Severus Snape]156-snape completely . ' [Harry]136-harry breathed deeply for a few moments in an effort to steady [himself]136-harry . It did not work . ' Well , [I]0-i do n't ! ' [he]0-i said , as loudly as before . ' [He]221-snape 's up to something with [Draco Malfoy]170-malfoy right now , right under [your]136-harry nose , and [you]136-harry still - ' ' [We]3644-our have discussed this , [Harry]136-harry , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , and now [he]146-dumbledore sounded stern again . ' [I]0-i have told [you]136-harry [my]0-i views . ' ' [You]136-harry 're leaving [the school]1525-the school tonight and [I]0-i 'll bet [you]136-harry have n't even considered that [Snape]221-snape and [Malfoy]170-malfoy might decide to - ' To what ? ' asked [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , [his]146-dumbledore eyebrows raised . ' What is it that [you]136-harry suspect [them]3646-them of doing , precisely ? ' ' [I]0-i ... [they]3646-them 're up to something ! ' said [Harry]136-harry and [his]136-harry hands curled into fists as [he]136-harry said it . ' [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney was just in [the Room of [Requirement]559-requirement]6325-the room of requirement , trying to hide [her]333-professor trelawney sherry bottles , and [she]333-professor trelawney heard [Malfoy]170-malfoy whooping , celebrating ! [He]170-malfoy 's trying to mend something dangerous in there and if [you]136-harry ask [me]0-i [he]170-malfoy 's fixed it at last and [you]136-harry 're about to just walk out of [school]4622-school * without - ' ' Enough , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . [He]146-dumbledore said it quite calmly , and yet [Harry]136-harry fell silent at once ; [he]136-harry knew that [he]136-harry had finally crossed some invisible line . ' Do [you]136-harry think that [I]0-i have once left [the school]1525-the school unprotected during [my]0-i absences this year ? [I]0-i have not . Tonight , when [I]0-i leave , there will again be additional protec - tion in place . Please do not suggest that [I]0-i do not take the safety of [[my]0-i students]3650-my students seriously , [Harry]136-harry . ' ' [I]0-i did n't - ' mumbled [Harry]136-harry , a little abashed , but [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore cut across [him]136-harry . ' ? do not wish to discuss the matter any further . ' [Harry]136-harry bit back [his]136-harry retort , scared that [he]136-harry had gone too far , that [he]136-harry had ruined [his]136-harry chance of accompanying [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , but [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore went on , ' Do [you]136-harry wish to come with [me]0-i tonight ? ' ' Yes , ' said [Harry]136-harry at once . ' Very well , then : listen . ' [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore drew [himself]146-dumbledore up to [his]146-dumbledore full height . ' [I]0-i take [you]136-harry with [me]0-i on one condition : that [you]136-harry obey any command [I]0-i might give [you]136-harry at once , and without question . ' ' Of course . ' ' Be sure to understand [me]0-i , [Harry]136-harry . [I]0-i mean that [you]136-harry must follow even such orders as " run "[136-harry] , " hide "[136-harry] or " go back "[136-harry] . Do [I]0-i have [your]136-harry word ? ' ' [I]0-i - yes , of course . ' ' If [1]0-i tell [you]136-harry to hide , [you]136-harry will do so ? ' ' Yes . ' ' If [I]0-i tell [you]136-harry to flee , [you]136-harry will obey ? ' ' Yes . ' ' If [I]0-i tell [you]136-harry to leave [me]0-i , and save [yourself]136-harry , [you]136-harry will do as [I]0-i tell [you]136-harry ? ' ' [I]0-i - ' ' [Harry]136-harry ? ' [They]3651-they looked at [each other]4377-each other for a moment . ' Yes , [sir]985-sir . ' ' Very good . Then [I]0-i wish [you]136-harry to go and fetch [your]136-harry Cloak and meet [me]0-i in [the Entrance Hall]110-the entrance hall in five minutes ' time . ' [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore turned back to look out of the fiery window ; the sun was now a ruby - red glare along the horizon . [Harry]136-harry walked quickly from [the office]6513-the office and down [the spiral staircase]2965-the spiral staircase . [His]136-harry mind was oddly clear all of a sudden . [He]136-harry knew what to do . [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]358-hermione were sitting together in [the common room]1602-the common room when [he]136-harry came back . ' What does [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore want ? ' [Hermione]358-hermione said at once . ' [Harry]136-harry , are [you]136-harry OK ? ' [she]358-hermione added anxiously . ' [I]0-i 'm fine , ' said [Harry]136-harry shortly , racing past [them]3657-them . [He]136-harry dashed up [the stairs]884-the stairs and into [[his]136-harry dormitory]3659-his dormitory , where [he]136-harry flung open [his]136-harry trunk and pulled out the Marauder 's Map and a pair of balled - up socks . Then [he]136-harry sped back down [the stairs]884-the stairs and into [the common room]1602-the common room , skidding to a halt where [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]358-hermione sat , looking stunned . ' [I]0-i have n't got much time , ' [Harry]136-harry panted , ' [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore thinks [I]0-i 'm getting [my]0-i Invisibility Cloak . Listen ... ' Quickly [he]136-harry told [them]3657-them where [he]136-harry was going , and why . [He]136-harry did not pause either for [Hermione]358-hermione 's gasps of horror or for [Ron]217-ron 's hasty questions ; [they]3657-them could work out the finer details for [themselves]3657-them later . ' ... so [you]3657-them see what this means ? ' [Harry]136-harry finished at a gallop . ' [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore wo n't be [here]4439-here tonight , so [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's going to have another clear shot at whatever [he]170-malfoy 's up to . No , listen to [me]0-i ! " [he]0-i hissed angrily , as both [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]358-hermione showed every sign of interrupting . ' [I]0-i know it was [Malfoy]170-malfoy celebrating in [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement . Here - ' [He]0-i shoved [the Marauder]518-the marauder 's Map into [Hermione]358-hermione 's hand . ' [You]358-hermione 've got to watch [him]170-malfoy and [you]358-hermione 've got to watch [Snape]221-snape , too . Use [anyone else who [you]358-hermione can rustle up from [the DA]6654-the da]6653-anyone else who you can rustle up from the da . [Hermione]358-hermione , [those contact Galleons]6655-those contact galleons will still work , right ? [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore says [he]146-dumbledore 's put extra protection in [the school]1525-the school , but if [Snape]221-snape 's involved , [he]146-dumbledore 'll know what [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's protection is , and how to avoid it - but [he]146-dumbledore wo n't be expecting [you]358-hermione lot to be on the watch , will [he]146-dumbledore ? ' ' [Harry]136-harry - ' began [Hermione]358-hermione , [her]358-hermione eyes huge with fear . ' ? have n't got time to argue , ' said [Harry]136-harry curtly . Take this as well - ' [He]136-harry thrust the socks into [Ron]217-ron 's hands . ‘ Thanks , ' said [Ron]217-ron . ' Er - why do [I]0-i need socks ? ' ' [You]358-hermione need what 's wrapped in them , it 's [the Felix Felicis]358-hermione . Share it between [yourselves]358-hermione and [Ginny]236-ginny too . Say goodbye to [her]236-ginny from [me]0-i . [I]0-i 'd better go , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's waiting - ' ' No ! ' said [Hermione]358-hermione , as [Ron]217-ron unwrapped the tiny little bottle of golden potion , looking awestruck . ' [We]6657-we do n't want it , [you]358-hermione take it , who knows what [you]358-hermione 're going to be facing ? ' ' [I'Il]136-harry be fine , [I]0-i 'll be with [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , ' said [Harry]136-harry . ' [I]0-i want to know [you]358-hermione lot are OK ... do n't look like that , [Hermione]358-hermione , [I]0-i 'll see [you]358-hermione later And [he]0-i was off , hurrying back through the portrait hole towards [the Entrance Hall]5133-the entrance hall . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was waiting beside the oaken front doors . [He]146-dumbledore turned as [Harry]136-harry came skidding out on to the topmost stone step , panting hard , a searing stitch in [his]136-harry side . ' [I]0-i would like [you]0-i to wear [your]0-i Cloak , please , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , and [he]146-dumbledore waited until [Harry]136-harry had thrown it on before saying , ' Very good . Shall [we]6659-we go ? ' [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore set off at once down the stone steps , [his]146-dumbledore own travelling cloak barely stirring in the still summer air . [Harry]136-harry hurried alongside [him]146-dumbledore under the Invisibility Cloak , still pant - ing and sweating rather a lot . ' But what will [people]681-people think when [they]681-people see [you]146-dumbledore leaving , [Professor]4626-professor ? ' [Harry]136-harry asked , [his]136-harry mind on [Malfoy]170-malfoy and [Snape]221-snape . That [I]0-i am off into [Hogsmeade]61-hogsmeade for a drink , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore lightly . ' [I]0-i sometimes offer [Rosmerta]6662-rosmerta [my]0-i custom , or else visit [the Hog]547-the hog 's Head ... or [I]0-i appear to . It is as good a way as any of disguising [one]4729-one 's true destination . ' [They]6664-they made [their]6664-they way down [the drive]6665-the drive in the gathering twi - light . The air was full of the smells of warm grass , lake water and wood smoke from [[Hagrid]218-hagrid 's cabin]5428-hagrid 's cabin . It was difficult to believe that [they]6664-they were heading for anything dangerous or frightening . ' [Professor]221-snape , ' said [Harry]136-harry quietly , as the gates at the bottom of [the drive]6665-the drive came into view , ' will [we]6664-they be Apparating ? ' ' Yes , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . ' [You]221-snape can [Apparate]551-apparate now , [I]0-i believe ? ' ' Yes , ' said [Harry]136-harry , ' but [I]0-i have n't got a licence . ' [He]136-harry felt it best to be honest ; what if [he]136-harry spoiled everything by turning up a hundred miles from where [he]136-harry was supposed to go ? ' No matter , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , ' [I]0-i can assist [you]136-harry again . ' [They]6664-they turned out of the gates into [the twilit , deserted lane to [Hogsmeade]61-hogsmeade]6668-the twilit , deserted lane to hogsmeade . Darkness descended fast as [they]6664-they walked and by the time [they]6664-they reached [the High Street]126-the high street night was falling in earnest . Lights twinkled from windows over [shops]6669-shops and as [they]6664-they neared [the Three Broomsticks]5536-the three broomsticks [they]6664-they heard raucous shouting . ' - and stay out ! ' shouted [Madam Rosmerta]184-rosmerta , forcibly ejecting [a grubby - looking wizard]6671-a grubby - looking wizard . ' Oh , hello , [Albus]146-dumbledore ... [you]146-dumbledore 're out late ... ' ' Good evening , [Rosmerta]184-rosmerta , good evening ... forgive [me]0-i , [I]0-i 'm off to [the Hog 's Head]2037-the hog 's head ... no offence , but [I]0-i feel like a quieter atmosphere tonight ... ' A minute later [they]6664-they turned the corner into [the side street]6673-the side street where the Hog 's Head 's sign creaked a little , though there was no breeze . In contrast to [the Three Broomsticks]5536-the three broomsticks , [the pub]2043-the pub appeared to be completely empty . ' It will not be necessary for [us]6664-they to enter , ' muttered [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , glancing around . ' As long as [nobody]687-nobody sees [us]6664-they go ... now place [your]146-dumbledore hand upon [my]0-i arm , [Harry]136-harry . There is no need to grip too hard , [I]0-i am merely guiding [you]146-dumbledore . On the count of three - one ... two ... three ... ' [Harry]136-harry turned . At once , there was that horrible sensation that [he]136-harry was being squeezed through a thick rubber tube ; [he]136-harry could not draw breath , every part of [him]136-harry was being com - pressed almost past endurance and then , just when [he]136-harry thought [he]136-harry must suffocate , the invisible bands seemed to burst open , and [he]136-harry was standing in cool darkness , breathing in lungfuls of fresh , salty air .[0-i] Chapter 26 : [The Cave]3663-the cave [Harry]136-harry could smell salt and hear rushing waves ; a light , chilly breeze ruffled [his]136-harry hair as [he]136-harry looked out at moon - lit sea and star - strewn sky . [He]136-harry was standing upon [a high outcrop of dark rock]3664-a high outcrop of dark rock , water foaming and churning below [him]136-harry . [He]136-harry glanced over [his]136-harry shoulder . [A towering cliff]3665-a towering cliff stood behind [them]3666-them , a sheer drop , black and faceless . A few large chunks of rock , such as the one upon which [Harry]136-harry and [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore were standing , looked as though they had broken away from [the cliff face]3667-the cliff face at some point in the past . It was a bleak , harsh view , [the sea]3668-the sea and [the rock]3669-the rock unrelieved by any tree or sweep of grass or sand . " What do [you]136-harry think ? "[146-dumbledore] asked [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . [He]146-dumbledore might have been asking [Harry]136-harry 's opinion on whether it was a good site for a picnic . " [They]6677-they brought [the kids]6678-the kids from [the orphanage]2147-the orphanage [here]4439-here ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry , who could not imagine [a less cozy spot]3670-a less cozy spot for a day trip . " Not here , precisely , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " There is [a village of sorts about halfway along [the cliffs behind [us]3666-them]6682-the cliffs behind us]6681-a village of sorts about halfway along the cliffs behind us . [I]146-dumbledore believe [the orphans]5577-the orphans were taken [there]4506-there for a little sea air and a view of the waves . No , [I]146-dumbledore think it was only ever [Tom Riddle]379-riddle and [[his]379-riddle youthful victims who visited [this spot]6686-this spot]6685-his youthful victims who visited this spot . [No Muggle]6687-no muggle could reach [this rock]6688-this rock unless [they]6687-no muggle were [uncommonly good mountaineers]6689-uncommonly good mountaineers , and [boats]6690-boats can not approach [the cliffs]6691-the cliffs , the waters around [them]6691-the cliffs are too dangerous . [I]146-dumbledore imagine that [Riddle]379-riddle climbed down ; magic would have served better than ropes . And [he]379-riddle brought [two small children]6692-two small children with [him]379-riddle , probably for the pleasure of terrorizing [them]6692-two small children . [I]146-dumbledore think the journey alone would have done it , do n't [you]136-harry ? "[146-dumbledore] [Harry]136-harry looked up at [the cliff]3671-the cliff again and felt goose bumps . " But [[his]379-riddle final destination]6693-his final destination — and [ours]6694-ours — lies a little farther on . Come . "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore beckoned [Harry]136-harry to [the very edge of [the rock]3669-the rock where a series of jagged niches made footholds leading down to [boulders that lay half - submerged in water]3674-boulders that lay half - submerged in water and closer to [the cliff]3671-the cliff]3672-the very edge of the rock where a series of jagged niches made footholds leading down to boulders that lay half - submerged in water and closer to the cliff . It was a treacherous descent and [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , hampered slightly by [his]146-dumbledore withered hand , moved slowly . The lower rocks were slippery with seawater . [Harry]136-harry could feel flecks of cold salt spray hitting [his]136-harry face . " [Lumos]197-lumos , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , as [he]146-dumbledore reached the boulder closest to [the cliff face]3667-the cliff face . A thousand flecks of golden light sparkled upon the dark surface of the water a few feet below where [he]146-dumbledore crouched ; the black wall of rock beside [him]146-dumbledore was illuminated too . " [You]136-harry see ? "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore quietly , holding [his]146-dumbledore wand a little higher . [Harry]136-harry saw a fissure in [the cliff into which dark water]3677-the cliff into which dark water was swirling . " [You]146-dumbledore will not object to getting a little wet ? "[136-harry] " No , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " Then take off [your]146-dumbledore Invisibility Cloak — there is no need for it now — and let [us]6695-us take the plunge , "[136-harry] And with the sudden agility of [a much younger man]3678-a much younger man , [Dumble - dore]367-dumble - dore slid from the boulder , landed in [the sea]3668-the sea , and began to swim , with a perfect breaststroke , toward the dark slit in [the rock face]3680-the rock face , [his]146-dumbledore lit wand held in [his]146-dumbledore teeth . [Harry]136-harry pulled off [his]136-harry cloak , stuffed it into [his]136-harry pocket , and followed . [The water]3681-the water was icy ; [Harry]136-harry 's waterlogged clothes billowed around [him]136-harry and weighed [him]136-harry down . Taking deep breaths that filled [his]136-harry nostrils with the tang of salt and seaweed , [he]136-harry struck out for the shimmering , shrinking light now moving deeper into [the cliff]3671-the cliff . [The fissure]3683-the fissure soon opened into [a dark tunnel that [Harry]136-harry could tell would be filled with water at high tide]3684-a dark tunnel that harry could tell would be filled with water at high tide . The slimy walls were barely three feet apart and glimmered like wet tar in the passing light of [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's wand . A little way in , [the passageway]3685-the passageway curved to the left , and [Harry]136-harry saw that [it]3685-the passageway extended far into [the cliff]3671-the cliff . [He]136-harry continued to swim in [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's wake , the tips of [his]136-harry benumbed fingers brushing the rough , wet rock . Then [he]136-harry saw [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore rising out of the water ahead , [his]146-dumbledore sil - ver hair and dark robes gleaming . When [Harry]136-harry reached [the spot]3687-the spot [he]136-harry found steps that led into [a large cave]3688-a large cave . [He]136-harry clambered up them , water streaming from [his]136-harry soaking clothes , and emerged , shivering uncontrollably , into the still and freezing air . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was standing in the middle of [the cave]3663-the cave , [his]146-dumbledore wand held high as [he]146-dumbledore turned slowly on the spot , examining the walls and ceiling . " Yes , this is [the place]4424-the place , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " How can [you]146-dumbledore tell ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry spoke in a whisper . " It has known magic , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore simply . [Harry]136-harry could not tell whether the shivers [he]136-harry was experiencing were due to [his]136-harry spine - deep coldness or to the same awareness of enchantments . [He]136-harry watched as [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore continued to revolve on the spot , evidently concentrating on things [Harry]136-harry could not see . " This is merely the antechamber , [the entrance hall]5133-the entrance hall , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore after a moment or two . " [We]6698-we need to penetrate [the inner place]6699-the inner place . . . . Now it is [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort 's obstacles that stand in [our]6698-we way , rather than those nature made . . . . "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore approached the wall of [the cave]3663-the cave and caressed it with [his]146-dumbledore blackened fingertips , murmuring words in a strange tongue that [Harry]136-harry did not understand . [Twice Dumbledore]605-twice dumbledore walked right around [the cave]3663-the cave , touching as much of the rough rock as [he]146-dumbledore could , occasionally pausing , running [his]146-dumbledore fingers backward and for - ward over a particular spot , until finally [he]146-dumbledore stopped , [his]146-dumbledore hand pressed flat against the wall . " Here , "[146-dumbledore] [he]146-dumbledore said . " [We]6700-we go on through here . The entrance is con - cealed . "[146-dumbledore] [Harry]136-harry did not ask how [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore knew . [He]136-harry had never seen [a wizard]4450-a wizard work things out like this , simply by looking and touching ; but [Harry]136-harry had long since learned that bangs and smoke were more often the marks of ineptitude than expertise . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore stepped back from the cave wall and pointed [his]146-dumbledore wand at the rock . For a moment , an arched outline appeared there , blazing white as though there was a powerful light behind the crack . " [You]146-dumbledore 've d - done it ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry through chattering teeth , but before the words had left [his]136-harry lips the outline had gone , leaving the rock as bare and solid as ever . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore looked around . " [Harry]136-harry , [I]146-dumbledore 'm so sorry , [I]146-dumbledore forgot , "[146-dumbledore] [he]146-dumbledore said ; [he]146-dumbledore now pointed [his]146-dumbledore wand at [Harry]136-harry and at once , [Harry]136-harry 's clothes were as warm and dry as if they had been hanging in front of a blazing fire . " Thank [you]146-dumbledore , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry gratefully , but [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had al - ready turned [his]146-dumbledore attention back to the solid cave wall . [He]146-dumbledore did not try any more magic , but simply stood there staring at it intently , as though something extremely interesting was written on it . [Harry]136-harry stayed quite still ; [he]136-harry did not want to break [Dumbledores]426-dumbledores concen - tration . Then , after two solid minutes , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore said quietly , " Oh , surely not . So crude . "[146-dumbledore] " What is it , [Professor]4626-professor ? "[146-dumbledore] " [I]146-dumbledore rather think , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , putting [his]146-dumbledore uninjured hand inside [his]146-dumbledore robes and drawing out a short silver knife of the kind [Harry]136-harry used to chop potion ingredients , " that [we]6702-we are required to make payment to pass . "[146-dumbledore] " Payment ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [You]146-dumbledore 've got to give the door something ? "[136-harry] " Yes , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " Blood , if [I]146-dumbledore am not much mistaken . "[146-dumbledore] " Blood ? "[136-harry] " [I]146-dumbledore said it was crude , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , who sounded disdainful , even disappointed , as though [Voldemort]192-voldemort had fallen short of higher standards [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore expected . " The idea , as [I]136-harry am sure [you]6703-you will have gathered , is that [[your]6703-you enemy]6704-your enemy must weaken [him-]6705-him- or [herself]6706-herself to enter . Once again , [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort fails to grasp that there are much more terrible things than physical injury . "[136-harry] " Yeah , but still , if [you]146-dumbledore can avoid it . . . "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , who had ex - perienced enough pain not to be keen for more . " Sometimes , however , it is unavoidable , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , shaking back the sleeve of [his]146-dumbledore robes and exposing the forearm of [his]146-dumbledore injured hand . " [Professor]146-dumbledore ! "[136-harry] protested [Harry]136-harry , hurrying forward as [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore raised [his]146-dumbledore knife . " [I]146-dumbledore 'll do it , [I]146-dumbledore 'm — "[146-dumbledore] [He]136-harry did not know what [he]136-harry was going to say — younger , fitter ? But [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore merely smiled . There was a flash of silver , and a spurt of scarlet ; the rock face was peppered with dark , glistening drops . " [You]136-harry are very kind , [Harry]136-harry , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , now passing the tip of [his]146-dumbledore wand over the deep cut [he]146-dumbledore had made in [his]146-dumbledore own arm , so that it healed instantly , just as [Snape]221-snape had healed [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's wound , " But [your]136-harry blood is worth more than [mine]146-dumbledore . Ah , that seems to have done the trick , does n't it ? "[221-snape] The blazing silver outline of an arch had appeared in the wall once more , and this time it did not fade away : The blood - spattered rock within it simply vanished , leaving an opening into what seemed total darkness . " After [me]146-dumbledore , [I]146-dumbledore think , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , and [he]146-dumbledore walked through the archway with [Harry]136-harry on [his]146-dumbledore heels , lighting [his]146-dumbledore own wand hastily as [he]146-dumbledore went . An eerie sight met [their]3693-we eyes : [They]3693-we were standing on the edge of [a great black lake]3694-a great black lake , so vast that [Harry]136-harry could not make out [the distant banks]3695-the distant banks , in a cavern so high that the ceiling too was out of sight . A misty greenish light shone far away in what looked like [the mid - dle of [the lake]1523-the lake]3696-the mid - dle of the lake ; it was reflected in the completely still water below . The greenish glow and the light from the two wands were the only things that broke the otherwise velvety blackness , though [their]3693-we rays did not penetrate as far as [Harry]136-harry would have expected . [The dark - ness]3698-the dark - ness was somehow denser than normal darkness . " Let [us]3693-we walk , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore quietly . " Be very careful not to step into [the water]3681-the water . Stay close to [me]146-dumbledore . "[146-dumbledore] [He]146-dumbledore set off around [the edge of [the lake]1523-the lake]3699-the edge of the lake , and [Harry]136-harry followed close behind [him]146-dumbledore . [Their]3693-we footsteps made echoing , slapping sounds on [the narrow rim of rock that surrounded [the water]3681-the water]3701-the narrow rim of rock that surrounded the water . On and on [they]3693-we walked , but the view did not vary : on one side of [them]3693-we , [the rough cavern wall]3703-the rough cavern wall , on the other , the boundless expanse of smooth , glassy blackness , in the very middle of which was that mysterious greenish glow . [Harry]136-harry found [the place]4424-the place and the silence oppressive , unnerving . " [Professor]4626-professor ? "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said finally . " Do [you]4626-professor think [the Horcrux]124-the horcrux is here ? "[136-harry] " Oh yes , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " Yes , [I]146-dumbledore 'm sure it is . The question is , how do [we]3693-we get to it ? "[146-dumbledore] " [We]3693-we could n't ... [we]3693-we could n't just try a Summoning Charm ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry said , sure that it was a stupid suggestion . But [he]136-harry was much keener than [he]136-harry was prepared to admit on getting out of [this place]4674-this place as soon as possible . " Certainly [we]3693-we could , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , stopping so suddenly that [Harry]136-harry almost walked into [him]146-dumbledore . " Why do n't [you]136-harry do it ? "[146-dumbledore] " [Me]136-harry ? Oh . . . okay . . . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry had not expected this , but cleared [his]136-harry throat and said loudly , wand aloft , " Accio Horcrux ! "[136-harry] With a noise like an explosion , something very large and pale erupted out of the dark water some twenty feet away ; before [Harry]136-harry could see what it was , it had vanished again with a crashing splash that made great , deep ripples on the mirrored surface . [Harry]136-harry leapt backward in shock and hit the wall ; [his]136-harry heart was still thundering as [he]136-harry turned to [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " What was that ? "[136-harry] " Something , [I]136-harry think , that is ready to respond should [we]3693-we attempt to seize [the Horcrux]124-the horcrux . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry looked back at [the water]3681-the water . [The surface of [the lake]1523-the lake]3707-the surface of the lake was once more shining black glass : The ripples had vanished unnaturally fast ; [Harry]136-harry 's heart , however , was still pounding . " Did [you]136-harry think that would happen , [sir]985-sir ? "[136-harry] " [I]136-harry thought something would happen if [we]3693-we made an obvious at - tempt to get [our]3693-we hands on [the Horcrux]124-the horcrux . That was a very good idea , [Harry]136-harry ; much the simplest way of finding out what [we]3693-we are facing . "[136-harry] " But [we]3693-we do n't know what the thing was , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , looking at [the sinisterly smooth water]3709-the sinisterly smooth water . " What the things are , [you]136-harry mean , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [I]146-dumbledore doubt very much that there is only one of them . Shall [we]3693-we walk on ? "[146-dumbledore] " [Professor]4626-professor ? "[136-harry] " Yes , [Harry]136-harry ? "[136-harry] " Do [you]136-harry think [we]3693-we 're going to have to go into [the lake]1523-the lake ? "[146-dumbledore] " Into [it]1523-the lake ? Only if [we]3693-we are very unfortunate . "[136-harry] " [You]136-harry do n't think the Horcrux is at the bottom ? "[136-harry] " Oh no ... [I]146-dumbledore think [the Horcrux]124-the horcrux is in the middle . "[146-dumbledore] And [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore pointed toward the misty green light in [the center of [the lake]1523-the lake]3710-the center of the lake . " So [we]3693-we 're going to have to cross [the lake]1523-the lake to get to it ? "[146-dumbledore] " Yes , [I]136-harry think so . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry did not say anything . [His]136-harry thoughts were all of water mon - sters , of giant serpents , of demons , kelpies , and [sprites]3712-sprites . . . . " Aha , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , and [he]146-dumbledore stopped again ; this time , [Harry]136-harry really did walk into [him]146-dumbledore ; for a moment [he]136-harry toppled on the edge of [the dark water]3713-the dark water , and [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's uninjured hand closed tightly around [his]136-harry upper arm , pulling [him]136-harry back . " So sorry , [Harry]136-harry , [I]146-dumbledore should have given warning . Stand back against the wall , please ; [I]146-dumbledore think [I]146-dumbledore have found [the place]4424-the place . "[146-dumbledore] [Harry]136-harry had no idea what [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore meant ; [this patch of dark bank]3714-this patch of dark bank was exactly like every other bit as far as [he]136-harry could tell , but [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore seemed to have detected something special about it . This time [he]146-dumbledore was running [his]146-dumbledore hand , not over the rocky wall , but t hrough the thin air , as though expecting to find and grip some - thing invisible . " Oho , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore happily , seconds later . [His]146-dumbledore hand had closed in midair upon something [Harry]136-harry could not see . [Dumble - dore]367-dumble - dore moved closer to [the water]3681-the water ; [Harry]136-harry watched nervously as the tips of [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's buckled shoes found the utmost edge of the rock rim . Keeping [his]146-dumbledore hand clenched in midair , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore raised [his]146-dumbledore wand with the other and tapped [his]146-dumbledore fist with the point . Immediately a thick coppery green chain appeared out of thin air , extending from the depths of [the water]3681-the water into [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's clenched hand . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore tapped the chain , which began to slide through [his]146-dumbledore fist like a snake , coiling itself on the ground with a clinking sound that echoed noisily off the rocky walls , pulling something from the depths of [the black water]3717-the black water . [Harry]136-harry gasped as the ghostly prow of [a tiny boat]3718-a tiny boat broke the surface , glowing as green as the chain , and floated , with barely a ripple , toward the place on [the bank where [Harry]136-harry and [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore stood]3719-the bank where harry and dumbledore stood . " How did [you]146-dumbledore know that was there ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry asked in astonish - ment . " Magic always leaves traces , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , as [the boat]2490-the boat hit [the bank]833-the bank with a gentle bump , " sometimes very distinctive traces . [I]146-dumbledore taught [Tom Riddle]379-riddle . [I]146-dumbledore know [his]379-riddle style . "[146-dumbledore] " Is ... is [this boat]6714-this boat safe ? "[146-dumbledore] " Oh yes , [I]146-dumbledore think so . [Voldemort]192-voldemort needed to create a means to cross [the lake]1523-the lake without attracting the wrath of those creatures [he]192-voldemort had placed within [it]1523-the lake in case [he]192-voldemort ever wanted to visit or remove [his]192-voldemort Horcrux . "[146-dumbledore] " So the things in [the water]3681-the water wo n't do anything to [us]6717-we if [we]6717-we cross in [[Voldemort]192-voldemort 's boat]6718-voldemort 's boat ? "[146-dumbledore] " [I]146-dumbledore think [we]6717-we must resign [ourselves]6717-we to the fact that [they]3722-they will , at some point , realize [we]6717-we are not [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort . Thus far , however , [we]6717-we have done well . [They]3722-they have allowed [us]6717-we to raise [the boat]2490-the boat . "[146-dumbledore] " But why have [they]3722-they let [us]6717-we ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry , who could not shake off the vision of tentacles rising out of the dark water the moment [they]3722-they were out of sight of [the bank]833-the bank . " [Voldemort]192-voldemort would have been reasonably confident that [none but a very great wizard]6720-none but a very great wizard would have been able to find [the boat]2490-the boat , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [I]146-dumbledore think [he]192-voldemort would have been prepared to risk what was , to [his]192-voldemort mind , the most unlikely possibility that [somebody else]1515-somebody else would find it , knowing that [he]192-voldemort had set other obstacles ahead that only [he]192-voldemort would be able to penetrate . [We]6717-we shall see whether [he]192-voldemort was right . "[146-dumbledore] [Harry]136-harry looked down into [the boat]2490-the boat . It really was very small . " It does n't look like [it]2490-the boat was built for [two people]5358-two people . Will it hold both of [us]6717-we ? Will [we]6717-we be too heavy together ? "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore chuckled . " [Voldemort]192-voldemort will not have cared about the weight , but about the amount of magical power that crossed [[his]192-voldemort lake]6724-his lake . [I]146-dumbledore rather think an enchantment will have been placed upon [this boat]6714-this boat so that [only one wizard]6726-only one wizard at a time will be able to sail in it . "[146-dumbledore] " But then — ? "[146-dumbledore] " [I]146-dumbledore do not think [you]269-harrys will count , [Harry]136-harry : [You]269-harrys are underage and un - qualified . [Voldemort]192-voldemort would never have expected [a sixteen - year - old]1424-a sixteen - year - old to reach [this place]4674-this place : [I]146-dumbledore think it unlikely that [your]269-harrys powers will register compared to [mine]146-dumbledore . "[146-dumbledore] These words did nothing to raise [Harrys]269-harrys morale ; perhaps [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore knew it , for [he]146-dumbledore added , " [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's mistake , [Harry]136-harry , [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's mistake . . . Age is foolish and forgetful when it underestimates [youth]6729-youth . . . . Now , [you]136-harry first this time , and be careful not to touch the water . "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore stood aside and [Harry]136-harry climbed carefully into [the boat]2490-the boat . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore stepped in too , coiling the chain onto the floor . [They]3726-they were crammed in together ; [Harry]136-harry could not comfortably sit , but crouched , [his]136-harry knees jutting over the edge of [the boat]2490-the boat , which be - gan to move at once . There was no sound other than the silken rus - tle of [the boat]2490-the boat 's prow cleaving the water ; it moved without [their]3726-they help , as though an invisible rope was pulling it onward toward the light in the center . Soon [they]3726-they could no longer see the walls of [the cavern]3729-the cavern ; [they]3726-they might have been at [sea]3730-sea except that there were no waves . [Harry]136-harry looked down and saw the reflected gold of [his]136-harry wandlight sparkling and glittering on the black water as [they]3726-they passed . [The boat]2490-the boat was carving deep ripples upon the glassy surface , grooves in the dark mirror . . . . And then [Harry]136-harry saw it , marble white , floating inches below the surface . " [Professor]146-dumbledore ! "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said , and [his]136-harry startled voice echoed loudly over [the silent water]3732-the silent water . " [Harry]136-harry ? "[136-harry] " [I]136-harry think [I]136-harry saw a hand in the water — a human hand ! "[136-harry] " Yes , [I]146-dumbledore am sure [you]136-harry did , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore calmly . [Harry]136-harry stared down into [the water]3681-the water , looking for the vanished hand , and a sick feeling rose in [his]136-harry throat . " So that thing that jumped out of the water — ? "[136-harry] But [Harry]136-harry had [his]136-harry answer before [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore could reply ; the wandlight had slid over a fresh patch of water and showed [him]136-harry , this time , [a dead man lying faceup inches beneath the surface]3734-a dead man lying faceup inches beneath the surface , [his]3734-a dead man lying faceup inches beneath the surface open eyes misted as though with cobwebs , [his]3734-a dead man lying faceup inches beneath the surface hair and [his]3734-a dead man lying faceup inches beneath the surface robes swirling around [him]3734-a dead man lying faceup inches beneath the surface like smoke . " There are bodies in here ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , and [his]136-harry voice sounded much higher than usual and most unlike [his]136-harry own . " Yes , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore placidly , " but [we]6730-we do not need to worry about [them]6731-them at the moment . "[146-dumbledore] " At the moment ? "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry repeated , tearing [his]136-harry gaze from [the water]3681-the water to look at [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " Not while [they]6731-them are merely drifting peacefully below [us]6730-we , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " There is nothing to be feared from a body , [Harry]136-harry , any more than there is anything to be feared from the darkness . [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort , who of course secretly fears both , disagrees . But once again [he]192-voldemort reveals [his]192-voldemort own lack of wisdom . It is the unknown [we]6730-we fear when [we]6730-we look upon death and darkness , nothing more . "[146-dumbledore] [Harry]136-harry said nothing ; [he]136-harry did not want to argue , but [he]136-harry found the idea that there were bodies floating around [them]3736-them and beneath [them]3736-them horrible and , what was more , [he]136-harry did not believe that they were not dangerous . " But one of [them]6731-them jumped , "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said , trying to make [his]136-harry voice as level and calm as [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's . " When [I]136-harry tried to Summon [the Horcrux]124-the horcrux , a body leapt out of [the lake]1523-the lake . "[136-harry] " Yes , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [I]146-dumbledore am sure that once [we]6730-we take [the Horcrux]124-the horcrux , [we]6730-we shall find [them]6731-them less peaceable . However , like many creatures that dwell in cold and darkness , [they]6731-them fear light and warmth , which [we]6730-we shall therefore call to [our]6730-we aid should the need arise . Fire , [Harry]136-harry , "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore added with a smile , in response to [Harry]136-harry 's bewildered expression . " Oh . . . right . . . "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry quickly . [He]136-harry turned [his]136-harry head to look at the greenish glow toward which [the boat]2490-the boat was still inexorably sailing . [He]136-harry could not pretend now that [he]136-harry was not scared . [The great black lake]3738-the great black lake , teeming with the dead ... It seemed hours and hours ago that [he]136-harry had met [Professor Trelawney]333-professor trelawney , that [he]136-harry had given [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione Felix Felicis]358-hermione . . . . [He]136-harry suddenly wished [he]136-harry had said a better good - bye to [them]3739-them . . . and [he]136-harry had n't seen [Ginny]236-ginny at all . . . " Nearly there , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore cheerfully . Sure enough , the greenish light seemed to be growing larger at last , and within minutes , [the boat]2490-the boat had come to a halt , bumping gently into something that [Harry]136-harry could not see at first , but when [he]136-harry raised [his]136-harry illuminated wand [he]136-harry saw that [they]3741-they had reached [a small island of smooth rock in the center of [the lake]1523-the lake]3742-a small island of smooth rock in the center of the lake . " Careful not to touch the water , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore again as [Harry]136-harry climbed out of [the boat]2490-the boat . [The island]3745-the island was no larger than [[Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's office]4815-dumbledore 's office , an expanse of flat dark stone on which stood nothing but the source of that greenish light , which looked much brighter when viewed close to . [Harry]136-harry squinted at it ; at first , [he]136-harry thought it was a lamp of some kind , but then [he]136-harry saw that the light was coming from a stone basin rather like the Pensieve , which was set on top of a pedestal . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore approached the basin and [Harry]136-harry followed . Side by side , [they]3741-they looked down into [it]3747-it . [The basin]3748-the basin was full of an emerald liq - uid emitting that phosphorescent glow . " What is it ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry quietly . " [I]146-dumbledore am not sure , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " Something more worrisome than blood and bodies , however . "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore pushed back the sleeve of [his]146-dumbledore robe over [his]146-dumbledore black - ened hand , and stretched out the tips of [his]146-dumbledore burned fingers toward the surface of the potion . " [Sir]985-sir , no , do n't touch — ! "[146-dumbledore] " [I]146-dumbledore can not touch , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , smiling faintly . " See ? [I]146-dumbledore can not approach any nearer than this . [You]136-harry try . "[146-dumbledore] Staring , [Harry]136-harry put [his]136-harry hand into the basin and attempted to touch the potion . [He]136-harry met an invisible barrier that prevented [him]136-harry coming within an inch of it . No matter how hard [he]136-harry pushed , [his]136-harry fingers encountered nothing but what seemed to be solid and flexible air . " Out of the way , please , [Harry]136-harry , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . [He]146-dumbledore raised [his]146-dumbledore wand and made complicated movements over the surface of the - potion , murmuring soundlessly . Nothing happened , except per haps that the potion glowed a little brighter . [Harry]136-harry remained silent while [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore worked , but after a while [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore with - drew [his]146-dumbledore wand , and [Harry]136-harry felt it was safe to talk again . " [You]146-dumbledore think [the Horcrux]6734-the horcrux is in there , [sir]985-sir ? "[146-dumbledore] " Oh yes . "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore peered more closely into [the basin]3748-the basin . [Harry]136-harry saw [his]146-dumbledore face reflected , upside down , in the smooth surface of the green potion . " But how to reach it ? This potion can not be pen - etrated by hand , Vanished , parted , scooped up , or siphoned away , nor can it be Transfigured , Charmed , or otherwise made to change its nature . "[146-dumbledore] Almost absentmindedly , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore raised [his]146-dumbledore wand again , twirled it once in midair , and then caught the crystal goblet that [he]146-dumbledore had conjured out of nowhere . " [I]146-dumbledore can only conclude that this potion is supposed to be drunk . "[146-dumbledore] " What ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " No ! "[136-harry] " Yes , [I]146-dumbledore think so : Only by drinking it can [I]146-dumbledore empty [the basin]3748-the basin and see what lies in [its]3748-the basin depths . "[146-dumbledore] " But what if — what if it kills [you]136-harry ? "[146-dumbledore] " Oh , [I]146-dumbledore doubt that it would work like that , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore easily . " [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort would not want to kill [the person who reached [this island]6738-this island]6737-the person who reached this island . "[146-dumbledore] [Harry]136-harry could n't believe it . Was this more of [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's insane determination to see good in [everyone]4750-everyone ? " [Sir]985-sir , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , trying to keep [his]136-harry voice reasonable , " [sir]985-sir , this is [Voldemort]192-voldemort [we]6741-we 're — "[136-harry] " [I]146-dumbledore 'm sorry , [Harry]136-harry ; [I]146-dumbledore should have said , [he]192-voldemort would not want to im - mediately kill [the person who reached [this island]6738-this island]6737-the person who reached this island , "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore corrected [himself]146-dumbledore . " [He]192-voldemort would want to keep [them]6737-the person who reached this island alive long enough to find out how [they]6737-the person who reached this island managed to penetrate so far through [his]192-voldemort de - fenses and , most importantly of all , why [they]6737-the person who reached this island were so intent upon emptying [the basin]3748-the basin . Do not forget that [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort believes that [he]192-voldemort alone knows about [his]192-voldemort Horcruxes . "[146-dumbledore] [Harry]136-harry made to speak again , but this time [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore raised [his]146-dumbledore hand for silence , frowning slightly at the emerald liquid , evidently thinking hard . " Undoubtedly , "[146-dumbledore] [he]146-dumbledore said , finally , " this potion must act in a way that will prevent [me]146-dumbledore taking the Horcrux . It might paralyze [me]146-dumbledore , cause [me]146-dumbledore to forget what [I]146-dumbledore am here for , create so much pain [I]146-dumbledore am dis - tracted , or render [me]146-dumbledore incapable in some other way . This being the case , [Harry]136-harry , it will be [your]136-harry job to make sure [I]146-dumbledore keep drinking , even if [you]136-harry have to tip the potion into [my]146-dumbledore protesting mouth . [You]136-harry understand ? "[146-dumbledore] [Their]3751-their eyes met over the basin , each pale face lit with that strange , green light . [Harry]136-harry did not speak . Was this why [he]136-harry had been invited along — so that [he]136-harry could force - feed [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore a potion that might cause [him]136-harry unendurable pain ? " [You]136-harry remember , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , " the condition on which [I]146-dumbledore brought [you]136-harry with [me]146-dumbledore ? "[146-dumbledore] [Harry]136-harry hesitated , looking into the blue eyes that had turned green in the reflected light of the basin . " But what if — ? "[136-harry] " [You]136-harry swore , did [you]136-harry not , to follow any command [I]146-dumbledore gave [you]136-harry ? "[146-dumbledore] " Yes , but — "[136-harry] " [I]136-harry warned [you]146-dumbledore , did [I]136-harry not , that there might be danger ? "[136-harry] " Yes , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , " but — "[136-harry] " Well , then , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , shaking back [his]146-dumbledore sleeves once more and raising the empty goblet , " [you]136-harry have [my]146-dumbledore orders . "[146-dumbledore] " Why ca n't [I]136-harry drink the potion instead ? "[136-harry] asked [Harry]136-harry desperately . " Because [I]146-dumbledore am much older , much cleverer , and much less valuable , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " Once and for all , [Harry]136-harry , do [I]146-dumbledore have [your]136-harry word that [you]136-harry will do all in [your]136-harry power to make [me]146-dumbledore keep drinking ? "[146-dumbledore] " Could n't — ? "[146-dumbledore] " Do [I]146-dumbledore have it ? "[146-dumbledore] " But — "[146-dumbledore] " [Your]136-harry word , [Harry]136-harry . "[146-dumbledore] " [I]146-dumbledore — all right , but — "[146-dumbledore] Before [Harry]136-harry could make any further protest , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore low - ered the crystal goblet into the potion . For a split second , [Harry]136-harry hoped that [he]136-harry would not be able to touch the potion with the gob - let , but the crystal sank into the surface as nothing else had ; when the glass was full to the brim , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore lifted it to [his]146-dumbledore mouth . " [Your]136-harry good health , [Harry]136-harry . "[146-dumbledore] And [he]146-dumbledore drained the goblet . [Harry]136-harry watched , terrified , [his]136-harry hands gripping the rim of the basin so hard that [his]136-harry fingertips were numb . " [Professor]4626-professor ? "[136-harry] [he]136-harry said anxiously , as [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore lowered the empty glass . " How do [you]146-dumbledore feel ? "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore shook [his]146-dumbledore head , [his]146-dumbledore eyes closed . [Harry]136-harry wondered whether [he]146-dumbledore was in pain . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore plunged the glass blindly back into the basin , refilled it , and drank once more . In silence , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore drank three gobletsful of the potion . Then , halfway through the fourth goblet , [he]146-dumbledore staggered and fell for - ward against the basin . [His]146-dumbledore eyes were still closed , [his]146-dumbledore breathing heavy . " [Professor Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ? "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , [his]136-harry voice strained . " Can [you]146-dumbledore hear [me]136-harry ? "[136-harry] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore did not answer . [His]146-dumbledore face was twitching as though [he]146-dumbledore was deeply asleep , but dreaming a horrible dream . [His]146-dumbledore grip on the goblet was slackening ; the potion was about to spill from it . [Harry]136-harry reached forward and grasped the crystal cup , holding it steady . " [Professor]4626-professor , can [you]4626-professor hear [me]136-harry ? "[136-harry] [he]136-harry repeated loudly , [his]136-harry voice echo - ing around [the cavern]3729-the cavern . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore panted and then spoke in a voice [Harry]136-harry did not recognize , for [he]136-harry had never heard [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore frightened like this . " [I]136-harry do n't want . . . Do n't make [me]136-harry ... "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry stared into the whitened face [he]136-harry knew so well , at the crooked nose and half - moon spectacles , and did not know what to do . " . . . do n't like . . . want to stop . . . "[146-dumbledore] moaned [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [You]146-dumbledore . . . [you]146-dumbledore ca n't stop , [Professor]4626-professor , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [You]146-dumbledore 've got to keep drinking , remember ? [You]146-dumbledore told [me]136-harry [you]146-dumbledore had to keep drinking . Here . . . "[136-harry] Hating [himself]136-harry , repulsed by what [he]136-harry was doing , [Harry]136-harry forced the goblet back toward [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's mouth and tipped it , so that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore drank the remainder of the potion inside . " No ... "[146-dumbledore] [he]146-dumbledore groaned , as [Harry]136-harry lowered the goblet back into the basin and refilled it for [him]146-dumbledore . " [I]146-dumbledore do n't want to . ... [I]146-dumbledore do n't want to . . . . Let [me]146-dumbledore go . . . . "[146-dumbledore] " Its all right , [Professor]4626-professor , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , [his]136-harry hand shaking . " Its all right , [I]136-harry 'm [here]4439-here — "[136-harry] " Make it stop , make it stop , "[146-dumbledore] moaned [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " Yes .. . yes , this 'll make it stop , "[136-harry] lied [Harry]136-harry . [He]136-harry tipped the con - tents of the goblet into [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's open mouth . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore screamed ; the noise echoed all around [the vast chamber]3753-the vast chamber , across the dead black water . " No , no , no , no , [I]146-dumbledore ca n't , [I]146-dumbledore ca n't , do n't make [me]146-dumbledore , [I]146-dumbledore do n't warn to . . . . "[146-dumbledore] " It 's all right , [Professor]4626-professor , it 's all right ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry loudly , [his]136-harry hands shaking so badly [he]136-harry could hardly scoop up the sixth goblei ful of potion ; the basin was now half empty . " Nothing 's happening to [you]146-dumbledore , [you]146-dumbledore 're safe , it is n't real , [I]146-dumbledore swear it is n't real — take this , now , take this ... "[146-dumbledore] And obediently , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore drank , as though it was an anti - dote [Harry]136-harry offered [him]146-dumbledore , but upon draining the goblet , [he]146-dumbledore sank to [his]146-dumbledore knees , shaking uncontrollably . " Its all [my]146-dumbledore fault , all [my]146-dumbledore fault , "[146-dumbledore] [he]146-dumbledore sobbed . " Please make it stop , [I]146-dumbledore know [I]146-dumbledore did wrong , oh please make it stop and [I]146-dumbledore 'll never , never again ... "[146-dumbledore] " This will make it stop , [Professor]146-dumbledore , "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry said , [his]136-harry voice crack - ing as [he]136-harry tipped the seventh glass of potion into [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's mouth . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore began to cower as though [invisible torturers]3754-invisible torturers sur - rounded [him]146-dumbledore ; [his]146-dumbledore flailing hand almost knocked the refilled goblet from [Harry]136-harry 's trembling hands as [he]136-harry moaned , " Do n't hurt [them]3754-invisible torturers , do n't hurt [them]3754-invisible torturers , please , please , its [my]136-harry fault , hurt [me]136-harry instead ... "[136-harry] " Here , drink this , drink this , [you]146-dumbledore 'll be all right , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry des - perately , and once again [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore obeyed [him]136-harry , opening [his]146-dumbledore mouth even as [he]146-dumbledore kept [his]146-dumbledore eyes tight shut and shook from head to foot . And now [he]146-dumbledore fell forward , screaming again , hammering [his]146-dumbledore fists upon the ground , while [Harry]136-harry filled the ninth goblet . " Please , please , please , no ... not that , not that , [I]136-harry 'll do any - thing ... "[136-harry] " Just drink , [Professor]4626-professor , just drink . . . "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore drank like [a child dying of thirst]3755-a child dying of thirst , but when [he]146-dumbledore had finished , [he]146-dumbledore yelled again as though [his]146-dumbledore insides were on fire . " No more , please , no more ... "[146-dumbledore] [Harry]136-harry scooped up a tenth gobletful of potion and felt the crystal scrape the bottom of the basin . " [We]6752-we 're nearly there , [Professor]4626-professor . Drink this , drink it . ... "[136-harry] [He]136-harry supported [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's shoulders and again , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore drained the glass ; then [Harry]136-harry was on [his]136-harry feet once more , refilling the goblet as [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore began to scream in more anguish than ever , " [I]146-dumbledore want to die ! [I]146-dumbledore want to die ! Make it stop , make it stop , [I]146-dumbledore want to die ! "[146-dumbledore] " Drink this , [Professor]146-dumbledore . Drink this . . . . "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore drank , and no sooner had [he]146-dumbledore finished than [he]146-dumbledore yelled , " KILL [ME]146-dumbledore ! "[146-dumbledore] " This — [this one]6754-this one will ! "[136-harry] gasped [Harry]136-harry . " Just drink this .. . It 'll be over ... all over ! "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore gulped at the goblet , drained every last drop , and then , with a great , rattling gasp , rolled over onto [his]146-dumbledore face . " No ! "[136-harry] shouted [Harry]136-harry , who had stood to refill the goblet again ; instead [he]136-harry dropped the cup into the basin , flung [himself]136-harry down beside [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , and heaved [him]146-dumbledore over onto [his]146-dumbledore back ; [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's glasses were askew , [his]146-dumbledore mouth agape , [his]146-dumbledore eyes closed . " No . "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , shaking [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , " no , [you]146-dumbledore 're not dead , [you]146-dumbledore said it was n't poison , wake up , wake up — [Rennervate]606-rennervate ! "[136-harry] [he]136-harry cried , [his]136-harry wand pointing at [Dumbledores]426-dumbledores chest ; there was a flash of red light but nothing happened . " [Rennervate]606-rennervate — [sir]985-sir — please — "[426-dumbledores] [Dumbledores]426-dumbledores eyelids flickered ; [Harry]136-harry 's heart leapt , " [Sir]985-sir , are [you]146-dumbledore — ? "[136-harry] " Water , "[146-dumbledore] croaked [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " Water , "[136-harry] panted [Harry]136-harry . " Yes — "[136-harry] [He]136-harry leapt to [his]136-harry feet and seized the goblet [he]136-harry had dropped in the basin ; [he]136-harry barely registered the golden locket lying curled beneath it . " Aguamenti ! "[136-harry] [he]136-harry shouted , jabbing the goblet with [his]136-harry wand . The goblet filled with clear water ; [Harry]136-harry dropped to [his]136-harry knees beside [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , raised [his]136-harry head , and brought the glass to [his]136-harry lips — but it was empty . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore groaned and began to pant . " But [I]136-harry had some — wait — Aguamenti ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry again , pointing [his]136-harry wand at the goblet . Once more , for a second , clear wa - ter gleamed within it , but as [he]136-harry approached [Dumbledores]426-dumbledores mouth , the water vanished again . " [Sir]985-sir , [I]136-harry 'm trying , [I]136-harry 'm trying ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry desperately , but [he]136-harry did not think that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore could hear [him]136-harry ; [he]136-harry had rolled onto [his]136-harry side and was drawing great , rattling breaths that sounded agoniz - ing . " Aguamenti — Aguamenti — AGUAMENTI ! "[136-harry] The goblet filled and emptied once more . And now [Dumble - dores]607-dumble - dores breathing was fading . [His]136-harry brain whirling in panic , [Harry]136-harry knew , instinctively , the only way left to get water , because [Voldemort]192-voldemort had planned it so ... [He]136-harry flung [himself]136-harry over to [the edge of [the rock]3669-the rock]3756-the edge of the rock and plunged the goblet into [the lake]1523-the lake , bringing it up full to the brim of icy water that did not vanish . " [Sir]985-sir — here ! "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry yelled , and lunging forward , [he]136-harry tipped the water clumsily over [Dumbledores]426-dumbledores face . It was the best [he]136-harry could do , for the icy feeling on [his]136-harry arm not holding the cup was not the lingering chill of the water . A slimy white hand had gripped [his]136-harry wrist , and the creature to whom it be - longed was pulling [him]136-harry , slowly , backward across [the rock]3669-the rock . [The sur - face of [the lake]1523-the lake]3760-the sur - face of the lake was no longer mirror - smooth ; it was churning , and everywhere [Harry]136-harry looked , white heads and hands were emerging from the dark water , [men]3762-men and [women]6428-women and [children with sunken , sightless eyes]3764-children with sunken , sightless eyes were moving toward [the rock]3669-the rock : [an army of the dead rising from the black water]3766-an army of the dead rising from the black water . " Petrificus Totalus ! "[136-harry] yelled [Harry]136-harry , struggling to cling to the smooth , soaked surface of [the island]3745-the island as [he]136-harry pointed [his]136-harry wand at the Inferius that had [his]136-harry arm . [It]3768-it released [him]136-harry , falling backward into the water with a splash ; [he]136-harry scrambled to [his]136-harry feet , but [many more Inferi]3769-many more inferi were already climbing onto [the rock]3669-the rock , [their]3769-many more inferi bony hands clawing at its slippery surface , [their]3769-many more inferi blank , frosted eyes upon [him]136-harry , trailing waterlogged rags , sunken faces leering . " Petrificus Totalus ! "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry bellowed again , backing away as [he]136-harry swiped [his]136-harry wand through the air ; six or seven of [them]3769-many more inferi crumpled , but more were coming toward [him]136-harry . " Impedimenta ! Incarcerous ! "[3771-a few of them] [A few of [them]3769-many more inferi]3771-a few of them stumbled , one or two of [them]3769-many more inferi bound in ropes , but those climbing onto the rock behind [them]3769-many more inferi merely stepped over or on the fallen bodies . Still slashing at the air with [his]136-harry wand , [Harry]136-harry yelled , " Sectumsempra ! SECTUMSEMPRA ! "[136-harry] But though gashes appeared in [their]3769-many more inferi sodden rags and [their]3769-many more inferi icy skin , they had no blood to spill : [They]3769-many more inferi walked on , unfeeling , [their]3769-many more inferi shrunken hands outstretched toward [him]136-harry , and as [he]136-harry backed away still farther , [he]136-harry felt arms enclose [him]136-harry from behind , thin , fleshlcv . arms cold as death , and [his]136-harry feet left the ground as [they]3769-many more inferi lifted [him]136-harry and began to carry [him]136-harry , slowly and surely , back to [the water]3681-the water , anil [he]136-harry knew there would be no release , that [he]136-harry would be drowned , and become one more dead guardian of a fragment of Voldemorts shattered soul ... But then , through the darkness , fire erupted : crimson and gold , a ring of fire that surrounded the rock so that [the Inferi holding [Harry]136-harry]3773-the inferi holding harry so tightly stumbled and faltered ; [they]3773-the inferi holding harry did not dare pass through the flames to get to [the water]3681-the water . [They]3769-many more inferi dropped [Harry]136-harry ; [he]136-harry hit the ground , slipped on [the rock]3669-the rock , and fell , grazing [his]136-harry arms , then scrambled back up , raising [his]136-harry wand and staring around . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was on [his]146-dumbledore feet again , pale as any of the surround - ing Inferi , but taller than any too , the fire dancing in [his]146-dumbledore eyes ; [his]146-dumbledore wand was raised like a torch and from its tip emanated the flames , like a vast lasso , encircling [them]3776-them all with warmth . [The Inferi]196-inferi bumped into [each other]4377-each other , attempting , blindly , to es - cape the fire in which [they]196-inferi were enclosed . . . . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore scooped the locket from the bottom of the stone basin and stowed it inside [his]146-dumbledore robes . Wordlessly , [he]146-dumbledore gestured to [Harry]136-harry to come to [his]146-dumbledore side . Distracted by the flames , [the Inferi]196-inferi seemed unaware that [[their]196-inferi quarry]3778-their quarry was leaving as [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore led [Harry]136-harry back to [the boat]2490-the boat , the ring of fire moving with [them]196-inferi , around [them]196-inferi , the bewildered Inferi accompanying [them]196-inferi to [the waters edge]3780-the waters edge , where [they]196-inferi slipped gratefully back into [[their]196-inferi dark waters]3781-their dark waters . [Harry]136-harry , who was shaking all over , thought for a moment that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore might not be able to climb into [the boat]2490-the boat ; [he]146-dumbledore staggered a little as [he]146-dumbledore attempted it ; all [his]146-dumbledore efforts seemed to be going into maintaining the ring of protective flame around [them]196-inferi . [Harry]136-harry seized [him]146-dumbledore and helped [him]146-dumbledore back to [his]146-dumbledore seat . Once [they]196-inferi were both safely jammed inside again , [the boat]2490-the boat began to move back across [the black water]3717-the black water , away from [the rock]3669-the rock , still encircled by that ring of fire , and it seemed that [the Inferi swarming below [them]196-inferi]3786-the inferi swarming below them did not dare resurface . " [Sir]985-sir , "[136-harry] panted [Harry]136-harry , " [sir]985-sir , [I]136-harry forgot — about fire — [they]3786-the inferi swarming below them were coming at [me]136-harry and [I]136-harry panicked — "[136-harry] " Quite understandable , "[146-dumbledore] murmured [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . [Harry]136-harry was alarmed to hear how faint [his]146-dumbledore voice was . [They]196-inferi reached [the bank]833-the bank with a little bump and [Harry]136-harry leapt out , then turned quickly to help [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . The moment that [Dum - bledore]587-dum - bledore reached [the bank]833-the bank [he]146-dumbledore let [his]146-dumbledore wand hand fall ; the ring of fire vanished , but [the Inferi]196-inferi did not emerge again from [the water]3681-the water . [The little boat]3790-the little boat sank into [the water]3681-the water once more ; clanking and tinkling , its chain slithered back into [the lake]1523-the lake too . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore gave a great sigh and leaned against the cavern wall . " [I]146-dumbledore am weak ... "[146-dumbledore] [he]146-dumbledore said . " Do n't worry , [sir]985-sir , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry at once , anxious about [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's extreme pallor and by [his]146-dumbledore air of exhaustion . " Do n't worry , [I]136-harry 'll get [us]6762-us back . . . . Lean on [me]136-harry , [sir]985-sir . . . . "[136-harry] And pulling [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's uninjured arm around [his]146-dumbledore shoulders , [Harry]136-harry guided [his]146-dumbledore headmaster back around [the lake]1523-the lake , bearing most of [his]146-dumbledore weight . " The protection was . . . after all ... well - designed , "[587-dum - bledore] said [Dum - bledore]587-dum - bledore faintly . " [One]4729-one alone could not have done it . ... [You]985-sir did well , very well , [Harry]136-harry . ... "[587-dum - bledore] " Do n't talk now , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , fearing how slurred [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's voice had become , how much [his]146-dumbledore feet dragged . " Save [your]146-dumbledore energy , [sir]985-sir . . . . [We]3795-we 'll soon be out of [here]4439-here . . . . "[136-harry] " The archway will have sealed again . . . . [My]587-dum - bledore knife ... "[587-dum - bledore] ' " There 's no need , [I]136-harry got cut on the rock , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry firmly . " Just tell [me]136-harry where . . . . "[136-harry] " Here . . . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry wiped [his]136-harry grazed forearm upon the stone : Having re - ceived its tribute of blood , [the archway]3794-the archway reopened instantly . [They]3795-we crossed [the outer cave]3796-the outer cave , and [Harry]136-harry helped [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore back into [the icy seawater]3797-the icy seawater that filled [the crevice in the cliff]3798-the crevice in the cliff . " It 's going to be all right , [sir]985-sir , "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry said over and over again , more worried by [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's silence than [he]136-harry had been by [his]146-dumbledore weakened voice . " [We]3795-we 're nearly there . ... [I]136-harry can Apparate [us]3795-we both back . . . Do n't worry . . . . "[136-harry] " [I]146-dumbledore am not worried , [Harry]136-harry , "[146-dumbledore] said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , [his]146-dumbledore voice a little stronger despite the freezing water . " [I]146-dumbledore am with [you]136-harry . "[146-dumbledore] Chapter 27 : The Lightning - Struck [Tower]128-tower Once back under the starry sky , [Harry]136-harry heaved [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore on to the top of the nearest boulder and then to [his]136-harry feet . Sodden and shivering , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's weight still upon [him]136-harry , [Harry]136-harry con- centrated harder than [he]136-harry had ever done upon [his]136-harry destination : [Hogsmeade]61-hogsmeade . Closing [his]136-harry eyes , gripping [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's arm as tightly as [he]136-harry could , [he]136-harry stepped forwards into that feeling of horrible compression . [He]136-harry knew it had worked before [he]136-harry opened [his]136-harry eyes : the smell of salt , the sea breeze had gone . [He]136-harry and [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore were shivering and dripping in the middle of [the dark [High Street]126-the high street in [Hogsmeade]61-hogsmeade]3799-the dark high street in hogsmeade . For one horrible moment [Harry]136-harry 's imagination showed [him]136-harry more Inferi creeping towards [him]136-harry around [the sides of [shops]6669-shops]3800-the sides of shops , but [he]136-harry blinked and saw that noth - ing was stirring ; all was still , the darkness complete but for a few streetlamps and lit upper windows . ' [We]3802-we did it , [Professor]4626-professor ! ' [Harry]136-harry whispered with difficulty ; [he]136-harry suddenly realised that [he]136-harry had a searing stitch in [his]136-harry chest . ' [We]3802-we did it ! [We]3802-we got the Horcrux ! ' [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore staggered against [him]136-harry . For a moment , [Harry]136-harry thought that [his]136-harry inexpert Apparition had thrown [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore off - balance ; then [he]136-harry saw [his]146-dumbledore face , paler and damper than ever in the distant light of a streetlamp . ' [Sir]985-sir , are [you]146-dumbledore all right ? ' ' [I]0-i 've been better , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore weakly , though the corners of [his]0-i mouth twitched . That potion ... was no health drink ... " And to [Harry]136-harry 's horror , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore sank on to the ground . ' [Sir]985-sir - it 's OK , [sir]985-sir , [you]146-dumbledore 're going to be all right , do n't worry - ' [He]136-harry looked around desperately for help , but there was [nobody]687-nobody to be seen and all [he]136-harry could think was that [he]136-harry must somehow get [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore quickly to [the hospital wing]5397-the hospital wing . ' [We]6772-we need to get [you]146-dumbledore up to [the school]1525-the school , [sir]985-sir ... [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey ... ' ' No , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . ' It is [... Professor Snape whom [I]0-i need ... but [I]0-i do not think ... [I]0-i can walk very far just yet]221-snape ... ' ' Right - [sir]985-sir , listen - [I]0-i 'm going to knock on a door , find a place [you]985-sir can stay - then [I]0-i can run and get [Madam]4866-madam - ' ' [Severus]156-snape , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore clearly . ' [I]0-i need [Severus]156-snape ... ' ' All right then , [Snape]221-snape - but [I]0-i 'm going to have to leave [you]985-sir for a moment so [I]0-i can - ' Before [Harry]136-harry could make a move , however , [he]136-harry heard run- ning footsteps . [His]136-harry heart leapt : [somebody]1513-somebody had seen , [somebody]1513-somebody knew [they]1513-somebody needed help - and looking around [he]136-harry saw [Madam Rosmerta]184-rosmerta scurrying down [the dark street]6779-the dark street towards [them]1513-somebody on high - heeled , fluffy slippers , wearing a silk dressing - gown embroidered with dragons . ' [I]0-i saw [you]985-sir Apparate as [I]0-i was pulling [my]0-i bedroom curtains ! Thank goodness , thank goodness , [I]0-i could n't think what to - but what 's wrong with [Albus]146-dumbledore ? ' [She]184-rosmerta came to a halt , panting , and stared down , wide - eyed , at [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . ' [He]146-dumbledore 's hurt , ' said [Harry]136-harry . ' [Madam Rosmerta]184-rosmerta , can [he]146-dumbledore come into [the Three Broomsticks]5536-the three broomsticks while [I]0-i go up to [the school]1525-the school and get help for [him]146-dumbledore ? ' ' [You]0-i ca n't go up there alone ! Do n't [you]0-i realise - have n't [you]0-i seen - ? ' ' If [you]0-i help [me]0-i support [him]146-dumbledore , ' said [Harry]136-harry , not listening to [her]184-rosmerta , ' [I]0-i think [we]6782-we can get [him]146-dumbledore inside - ' ' What has happened ? ' asked [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . ' [Rosmerta]184-rosmerta , what 's wrong ? ' The - the Dark Mark , [Albus]146-dumbledore . ' And [she]184-rosmerta pointed into the sky , in the direction of [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts . Dread flooded [Harry]136-harry at the sound of the words ... [he]136-harry turned and looked . There it was , hanging in the sky above [the school]1525-the school : the blaz- ing green skull with a serpent tongue , the mark Death Eaters left behind whenever [they]6784-they had entered [a building]6785-a building ... wherever [they]6784-they had murdered ... ' When did it appear ? ' asked [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , and [his]146-dumbledore hand clenched painfully upon [Harry]136-harry 's shoulder as [he]136-harry struggled to [his]136-harry feet . ' Must have been minutes ago , it was n't [there]4506-there when [I]0-i put the cat out , but when [I]0-i got [upstairs]1716-upstairs - ' ' [We]6788-they need to return to [the castle]4540-the castle at once , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . ' [Rosmerta]184-rosmerta , ' and though [he]136-harry staggered a little , [he]136-harry seemed wholly in command of the situation , ' [we]6788-they need transport - brooms - ' ' [I]0-i 've got [a couple behind the bar]6790-a couple behind the bar , ' [she]184-rosmerta said , looking very frightened . ' Shall [I]0-i run and fetch - ? ' ' No , [Harry]136-harry can do it . ' [Harry]136-harry raised [his]136-harry wand at once . ' [Accio Rosmerta]608-accio rosmerta 's brooms . ' A second later [they]6788-they heard a loud bang as the front door of [the pub]2043-the pub burst open ; two brooms had shot out into [the street]1076-the street and were racing each other to [Harry]136-harry 's side , where [they]6788-they stopped dead , quivering slightly , at waist height . ' [Rosmerta]608-accio rosmerta , please send a message to [the Ministry]4400-the ministry , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , as [he]146-dumbledore mounted the broom nearest [him]136-harry . ' It might be that [nobody within Hogwarts]6794-nobody within hogwarts has yet realised anything is wrong ... [Harry]136-harry , put on [your]136-harry Invisibility Cloak . ' [Harry]136-harry pulled [his]136-harry Cloak out of [his]136-harry pocket and threw it over [himself]136-harry before mounting [his]136-harry broom ; [Madam Rosmerta]184-rosmerta was already tottering back towards [[her]184-rosmerta pub]6795-her pub as [Harry]136-harry and [Dumble - dore]6796-dumble - dore kicked off from the ground and rose up into the air . As [they]6788-they sped towards [the castle]4540-the castle , [Harry]136-harry glanced sideways at [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , ready to grab [him]146-dumbledore should [he]146-dumbledore fall , but the sight of [the Dark Mark]4831-the dark mark seemed to have acted upon [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore like a stimulant : [he]146-dumbledore was bent low over [his]146-dumbledore broom , [his]146-dumbledore eyes fixed upon the Mark , [his]146-dumbledore long silver hair and beard flying behind [him]146-dumbledore in the night air . And [Harry]136-harry , too , looked ahead at the skull , and fear swelled inside [him]136-harry like a venomous bubble , compressing [his]136-harry lungs , driving all other discomfort from [his]136-harry mind ... How long had [they]6788-they been away ? Had [Ron]217-ron , [Hermione]358-hermione and [Ginny]236-ginny 's luck run out by now ? Was it one of [them]6788-they who had caused [the Mark]303-belby to be set over [the school]1525-the school , or was it [Neville]174-neville , or [Luna]288-luna , or [some other member of [the DA]6654-the da]6800-some other member of the da ? And if it was ... [he]146-dumbledore was [the one who had told [them]6788-they to patrol [the corridors]1409-the corridors , [he]146-dumbledore had asked [them]6788-they to leave the safety of [[their]6788-they beds]6804-their beds]6802-the one who had told them to patrol the corridors , he had asked them to leave the safety of their beds ... would [he]146-dumbledore be responsible , again , for the death of [a friend]4731-a friend ? As [they]6788-they flew over [the dark , twisting lane down which [they]6788-they had walked earlier]6806-the dark , twisting lane down which they had walked earlier , [Harry]136-harry heard , over the whistling of the night air in [his]136-harry ears , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore muttering in some strange language again . [He]136-harry thought [he]136-harry understood why as [he]136-harry felt [his]136-harry broom shudder for a moment when [they]6788-they flew over the bound - ary wall into [the grounds]1899-the grounds : [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was undoing the enchantments [he]146-dumbledore [himself]146-dumbledore had set around [the castle]4540-the castle , so that [they]6788-they could enter at speed . [The Dark Mark]4831-the dark mark was glittering directly above [the Astronomy Tower]3288-the astronomy tower , [the highest of [the castle]4540-the castle]6811-the highest of the castle . Did that mean the death had occurred [there]4506-there ? [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had already crossed [the crenellated ramparts]6814-the crenellated ramparts and was dismounting ; [Harry]136-harry landed next to [him]146-dumbledore seconds later and looked around . [The ramparts]6815-the ramparts were deserted . The door to the spiral staircase that led back into [the castle]4540-the castle was closed . There was no sign of a struggle , of a fight to the death , of a body . ' What does it mean ? ' [Harry]136-harry asked [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , looking up at the green skull with its serpent 's tongue glinting evilly above them . ' Is it the real [Mark]303-belby ? Has [someone]5066-someone definitely been - [Professor]221-snape ? ' In the dim green glow from the Mark [Harry]136-harry saw [Dumble - dore]367-dumble - dore clutching at [his]146-dumbledore chest with [his]146-dumbledore blackened hand . ' Go and wake [Severus]156-snape , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore faintly but clearly . Tell [him]156-snape what has happened and bring [him]156-snape to [me]0-i . Do noth- ing else , speak to [nobody else]5071-nobody else and do not remove [your]136-harry Cloak . [I]0-i shall wait here . ' ' But - ' ' [You]146-dumbledore swore to obey [me]0-i , [Harry]136-harry - go ! ' [Harry]136-harry hurried over to the door leading to [the spiral stair - case]6819-the spiral stair - case , but [his]136-harry hand had only just closed upon the iron ring of the door when [he]136-harry heard running footsteps on the other side . [He]136-harry looked round at [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , who gestured to [him]136-harry to retreat . [Harry]136-harry backed away , drawing [his]136-harry wand as [he]136-harry did so . The door burst open and [somebody]1513-somebody erupted through it and shouted : ' Expelliarmus ! ' [Harry]136-harry 's body became instantly rigid and immobile , and [he]136-harry felt [himself]136-harry fall back against the Tower wall , propped like an unsteady statue , unable to move or speak . [He]136-harry could not understand how it had happened - [Expelliarmus]609-expelliarmus was not a Freezing Charm - Then , by the light of the Mark , [he]136-harry saw [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's wand flying in an arc over the edge of [the ramparts]6815-the ramparts and under - stood ... [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had wordlessly immobilised [Harry]136-harry , and the second [he]136-harry had taken to perform the spell had cost [him]136-harry the chance of defending [himself]136-harry . Standing against [the ramparts]6815-the ramparts , very white in the face , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore still showed no sign of panic or distress . [He]146-dumbledore merely looked across at [his]146-dumbledore disarmer and said , ' Good evening , [Draco]170-malfoy . ' [Malfoy]170-malfoy stepped forwards , glancing around quickly to check that [he]170-malfoy and [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore were alone . [His]170-malfoy eyes fell upon the second broom . ' Who else is [here]4439-here ? ' ' A question 1 might ask [you]146-dumbledore . Or are [you]146-dumbledore acting alone ? ' [Harry]136-harry saw [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's pale eyes shift back to [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore in the greenish glare of the Mark . ' No , ' [he]170-malfoy said . ' [I]0-i 've got back - up . There are Death Eaters here in [[your]146-dumbledore school]2163-your school tonight . ' ' Well , well , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , as though [Malfoy]170-malfoy was show- ing [him]146-dumbledore an ambitious homework project . ' Very good indeed . [You]146-dumbledore found a way to let [them]6825-they in , did [you]146-dumbledore ? ' ' Yeah , ' said [Malfoy]170-malfoy , who was panting . ' Right under [your]146-dumbledore nose and [you]146-dumbledore never realised ! ' ' Ingenious , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . ' Yet ... forgive [me]0-i ... where are [they]6825-they now ? [You]146-dumbledore seem unsupported . ' [They]6825-they met [some of [[your]146-dumbledore guard]6827-your guard]6826-some of your guard . [They]6825-they 're having a fight down below . [They]6825-they wo n't be long ... [I]0-i came on ahead . [I]0-i - [I]0-i 've got a job to do . ' ' Well , then , [you]146-dumbledore must get on and do it , [[my]0-i dear boy]5222-my dear boy , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore softly . There was silence . [Harry]136-harry stood imprisoned within [his]136-harry own invisible , paralysed body , staring at [the two of [them]1616-the two of them]1616-the two of them , [his]136-harry ears straining to hear sounds of [the Death Eaters]4511-the death eaters ' distant fight , and in front of [him]136-harry , [Draco Malfoy]170-malfoy did nothing but stare at [Albus Dumbledore]146-dumbledore who , incredibly , smiled . ' [Draco]170-malfoy , [Draco]170-malfoy , [you]170-malfoy are not [a killer]6541-a killer . ' ' How do [you]170-malfoy know ? ' said [Malfoy]170-malfoy at once . [He]170-malfoy seemed to realise how childish the words had sounded ; [Harry]136-harry saw [him]170-malfoy flush in the [Mark]303-belby 's greenish light . ' [You]136-harry do n't know what [I]0-i 'm capable of , ' said [Malfoy]170-malfoy more forcefully , ' [you]136-harry do n't know what [I]0-i 've done ! ' ' Oh , yes , [I]0-i do , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore mildly . ' [You]136-harry almost killed [Katie Bell]153-katie and [Ronald Weasley]220-mr. weasley . [You]136-harry have been trying , with increasing desperation , to kill [me]0-i all year . Forgive [me]0-i , [Draco]170-malfoy , but [they]6832-they have been feeble attempts ... so feeble , to be honest , that [I]0-i wonder whether [your]170-malfoy heart has been really in it ... ' ' It has been in it ! ' said [Malfoy]170-malfoy vehemently . ' [I]0-i 've been work- ing on it all year , and tonight - ' Somewhere in the depths of [the castle below]6833-the castle below [Harry]136-harry heard a muffled yell . [Malfoy]170-malfoy stiffened and glanced over [his]170-malfoy shoulder . ' [Somebody]1513-somebody is putting up a good fight , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore conversationally . ' But [you]136-harry were saying ... yes , [you]136-harry have [man - aged]6835-man - aged to introduce [Death Eaters]198-the death eaters into [[my]0-i school]5560-my school which , [I]0-i admit , [I]0-i thought impossible ... how did [you]136-harry do it ? ' But [Malfoy]170-malfoy said nothing : [he]170-malfoy was still listening to whatever was happening below and seemed almost as paralysed as [Harry]136-harry was . ' Perhaps [you]136-harry ought to get on with the job alone , ' suggested [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . ' What if [your]136-harry back - up has been thwarted by [[my]0-i guard]6837-my guard ? As [you]136-harry have perhaps realised , there are members of [the Order of the Phoenix]4525-the order of the phoenix [here]4439-here tonight , too . And after all , [you]136-harry do n't really need help ... [I]0-i have no wand at the moment ... [I]0-i can not defend [myself]0-i . ' [Malfoy]170-malfoy merely stared at [him]0-i . ' [I]0-i see , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore kindly , when [Malfoy]170-malfoy neither moved nor spoke . ' [You]136-harry are afraid to act until [they]6840-they join [you]136-harry . ' ? ' [I]0-i 'm not afraid ! ' snarled [Malfoy]170-malfoy , though [he]0-i still made no move to hurt [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . ' It 's [you]0-i who should be scared ! ' ' But why ? [I]0-i do n't think [you]0-i will kill [me]0-i , [Draco]170-malfoy . Killing is not nearly as easy as [the innocent]6841-the innocent believe ... so tell [me]0-i , while [we]6842-we wait for [[your]0-i friends]4753-your friends ... how did [you]0-i smuggle [them]4753-your friends in here ? It seems to have taken [you]0-i a long time to work out how to do it . ' [Malfoy]170-malfoy looked as though [he]170-malfoy was fighting down the urge to shout , or to vomit . [He]170-malfoy gulped and took several deep breaths , glaring at [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , [his]146-dumbledore wand pointing directly at [the latter]6844-the latter 's heart . Then , as though [he]170-malfoy could not help [himself]170-malfoy , [he]170-malfoy said , ' [1]4515-1 had to mend that broken Vanishing Cabinet that [no one]4841-no one 's used for years . The one [Montague]596-montague got lost in last year . ' ' Aaaah . ' [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's sigh was half a groan . [He]146-dumbledore closed [his]146-dumbledore eyes for a moment . That was clever ... there is [a pair]1420-a pair , [I]0-i take it ? ' ' The other 's in [Borgin]280-borgin and [Burkes]281-burkes , ' said [Malfoy]170-malfoy , ' and [they]1420-a pair make a kind of passage between [them]1420-a pair . [Montague]596-montague told [me]0-i that when [he]596-montague was stuck in [the Hogwarts one]6848-the hogwarts one , [he]596-montague was trapped in limbo but sometimes [he]596-montague could hear what was going on at [school]4622-school , and sometimes what was going on in [the shop]4807-the shop , as if the Cabinet was travelling between them , but [he]596-montague could n't make [anyone]660-anyone hear [him]596-montague ... in the end [he]596-montague managed to Apparate out , even though [he]596-montague 'd never passed [his]596-montague test . [He]596-montague nearly died doing it . [Everyone]4750-everyone thought it was a really good story , but [I]0-i was [the only one who realised what it]6853-the only one who realised what it meant - even [Borgin]280-borgin did n't know - 1 was the one who realised there could be a way into [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts through the Cabinets if [I]0-i fixed the broken one . ' ' Very good , ' murmured [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . ' So [the Death Eaters]4511-the death eaters were able to pass from [Borgin]280-borgin and [Burkes]281-burkes into [the school]1525-the school to help [you]146-dumbledore ... a clever plan , a very clever plan ... and , as [you]146-dumbledore say , right under [my]0-i nose ... ' ' Yeah , ' said [Malfoy]170-malfoy who , bizarrely , seemed to draw courage and comfort from [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's praise . ' Yeah , it was ! ' ' But there were times , ' [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore went on , ' were n't [there]4506-there , when [you]146-dumbledore were not sure [you]146-dumbledore would succeed in mending the Cabinet ? And [you]146-dumbledore resorted to crude and badly judged meas - ures such as sending [me]0-i a cursed necklace that was bound to reach the wrong hands ... poisoning [mead]6857-mead there was only the slightest chance [I]0-i might drink ... ' ' Yeah , well , [you]146-dumbledore still did n't realise who was behind that stuff , did [you]146-dumbledore ? ' sneered [Malfoy]170-malfoy , as [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore slid a little down [the ramparts]6815-the ramparts , the strength in [his]146-dumbledore legs apparently fading , and [Harry]136-harry struggled fruitlessly , mutely , against the enchantment binding [him]136-harry . ' As a matter of fact , [I]0-i did , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . ' [I]0-i was sure it was [you]146-dumbledore . ' ' Why did n't [you]146-dumbledore stop [me]0-i , then ? ' [Malfoy]170-malfoy demanded . ' [I]0-i tried , [Draco]170-malfoy . [Professor Snape]221-snape has been keeping watch over [you]170-malfoy on [my]0-i orders - ' ' [He]221-snape has n't been doing [your]170-malfoy orders , [he]221-snape promised [[my]0-i mother]4685-my mother - ' ' Of course that is what [he]221-snape would tell [you]170-malfoy , [Draco]170-malfoy , but - ' ' [He]221-snape 's [a double - agent]6860-a double - agent , [[you]170-malfoy stupid old man]6861-you stupid old man , [he]221-snape is n't working for [you]170-malfoy , [you]170-malfoy just think [he]221-snape is ! ' ' [We]6862-we must agree to differ on that , [Draco]170-malfoy . It so happens that [I]0-i trust [Professor Snape]221-snape - ' ' Well , [you]3805-i 're losing [your]3805-i grip , then ! ' sneered [Malfoy]170-malfoy . ' [He]221-snape 's been offering [me]0-i plenty of help - wanting all the glory for [himself]221-snape - wanting a bit of the action - "[0-i] What are [you]3805-i doing ? Did [you]3805-i do the necklace , that was stupid , it could have blown everything - " But [I]3805-i have n't told [him]221-snape what [I]3805-i 've been doing in [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement , [he]221-snape 's going to wake up tomorrow and it 'll all be over and [he]221-snape wo n't be [the Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord 's favourite any more , [he]221-snape 'll be nothing compared to [me]3805-i , nothing ! ' ' Very gratifying , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore mildly . ' [We]6865-we all like * appreciation for [our]6865-we own hard work , of course ... but [you]3805-i must have had [an accomplice]5538-an accomplice , all the same ... [someone in [Hogsmeade]61-hogsmeade]6867-someone in hogsmeade , someone who was able to slip [Katie the - the - aaaah Dumbledore]146-dumbledore closed [his]146-dumbledore eyes again and nodded , as though [he]146-dumbledore was about to fall asleep . ' ... of course ... [Rosmerta]184-rosmerta . How long has [she]184-rosmerta been under the Imperius Curse ? ' ' Got there at last , have [you]146-dumbledore ? ' [Malfoy]170-malfoy taunted . There was another yell from below , rather louder than the last . [Malfoy]170-malfoy looked nervously over [his]170-malfoy shoulder again , then back at [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , who went on , ' So poor [Rosmerta]184-rosmerta was forced to lurk in [[her]184-rosmerta own bathroom]6868-her own bathroom and pass that necklace to [any Hogwarts student who entered [the room]685-the room unaccompanied]6869-any hogwarts student who entered the room unaccompanied ? And the poisoned mead ... well , naturally , [Rosmerta]184-rosmerta was able to poison it for [you]3805-i before [she]184-rosmerta sent the bottle to [Slughorn]216-slughorn , believing that it was to be [my]3805-i Christmas present ... yes , very neat ... very neat ... poor [Mr Filch]327-filch would not , of course , think to check a bottle of [Rosmerta]184-rosmerta 's ... tell [me]3805-i , how have [you]146-dumbledore been communicating with [Rosmerta]184-rosmerta ? [I]3805-i thought [we]6871-we had all methods of communication in and out of [the school]1525-the school monitored . ' ' Enchanted coins , ' said [Malfoy]170-malfoy , as though [he]170-malfoy was compelled to keep talking , though [his]170-malfoy wand hand was shaking badly . ' [I]3805-i had one and [she]184-rosmerta had the other and 1 could send [her]184-rosmerta messages - ' ' Is n't that the secret method of communication [the group that called [themselves]6873-the group that called themselves dumbledore 's army used last year [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's Army used last year]6873-the group that called themselves dumbledore 's army used last year ? ' asked [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . [His]146-dumbledore voice was light and conversational , but [Harry]136-harry saw [him]146-dumbledore slip an inch lower down the wall as [he]146-dumbledore said it . ' Yeah , [I]3805-i got the idea from [them]6873-the group that called themselves dumbledore 's army used last year , ' said [Malfoy]170-malfoy , with a twisted smile . ' [I]3805-i got the idea of poisoning the mead from [the Mudblood Granger]557-the mudblood granger , as well , [I]3805-i heard [her]184-rosmerta talking in [the library]2354-the library about [Filch]327-filch not recognising potions ... '[3805-i] [Hogsmeade]61-hogsmeade , someone who was able to slip [Katie the - the - aaaah Dumbledore]146-dumbledore closed [his]61-hogsmeade eyes again and nodded , as though [he]61-hogsmeade was about to fall asleep . ' ... of course ... [Rosmerta]184-rosmerta . How long has [she]184-rosmerta been under the Imperius Curse ? ' ' Got there at last , have [you]61-hogsmeade ? ' [Malfoy]170-malfoy taunted . There was another yell from below , rather louder than the last . [Malfoy]170-malfoy looked nervously over [his]170-malfoy shoulder again , then back at [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , who went on , ' So poor [Rosmerta]184-rosmerta was forced to lurk in [[her]184-rosmerta own bathroom]6868-her own bathroom and pass that necklace to [any Hogwarts student who entered [the room]685-the room unaccompanied]6869-any hogwarts student who entered the room unaccompanied ? And the poisoned mead ... well , naturally , [Rosmerta]184-rosmerta was able to poison it for [you]3809-you before [she]184-rosmerta sent the bottle to [Slughorn]216-slughorn , believing that it was to be [my]0-i Christmas present ... yes , very neat ... very neat ... poor [Mr Filch]327-filch would not , of course , think to check a bottle of [Rosmerta]184-rosmerta 's ... tell [me]0-i , how have [you]3809-you been communicating with [Rosmerta]184-rosmerta ? [I]0-i thought [we]3810-we had all methods of communication in and out of [the school]1525-the school monitored . ' ' Enchanted coins , ' said [Malfoy]170-malfoy , as though [he]170-malfoy was compelled to keep talking , though [his]170-malfoy wand hand was shaking badly . ' [I]0-i had one and [she]184-rosmerta had the other and 1 could send [her]184-rosmerta messages - ' ' Is n't that the secret method of communication [the group that called [themselves]6873-the group that called themselves dumbledore 's army used last year [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's Army used last year]6873-the group that called themselves dumbledore 's army used last year ? ' asked [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . [His]146-dumbledore voice was light and conversational , but [Harry]136-harry saw [him]146-dumbledore slip an inch lower down the wall as [he]146-dumbledore said it . ' Yeah , [I]0-i got the idea from [them]6873-the group that called themselves dumbledore 's army used last year , ' said [Malfoy]170-malfoy , with a twisted smile . ' [I]0-i got the idea of poisoning the mead from [the Mudblood Granger]557-the mudblood granger , as well , [I]0-i heard [her]184-rosmerta talking in [the library]2354-the library about [Filch]327-filch not recognising potions ... ' ' Please do not use that offensive word in front of [me]0-i , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . [Malfoy]170-malfoy gave a harsh laugh . ' [You]146-dumbledore care about [me]0-i saying " Mudblood "[0-i] when [I]0-i 'm about to kill [you]170-malfoy ? ' ' Yes , [I]0-i do , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , and [Harry]136-harry saw [his]136-harry feet slide a little on the floor as [he]136-harry struggled to remain upright . ' But as for being about to kill [me]0-i , [Draco]170-malfoy , [you]170-malfoy have had several long minutes now . [We]3814-we are quite alone . [I]0-i am more defenceless than [you]170-malfoy can have dreamed of finding [me]0-i , and still [you]170-malfoy have not acted ... ' [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's mouth contorted involuntarily , as though [he]170-malfoy had tasted something very bitter . ' Now , about tonight , ' [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore went on , ' [I]0-i am a little puzzled about how it happened ... [you]170-malfoy knew that [I]0-i had left [the school]1525-the school ? But of course , ' [he]146-dumbledore answered [his]146-dumbledore own question , ' [Rosmerta]184-rosmerta saw [me]0-i leaving , [she]184-rosmerta tipped [you]170-malfoy off using [your]170-malfoy ingenious coins , [I]0-i 'm sure ... ' ' That 's right , ' said [Malfoy]170-malfoy . ' But [she]184-rosmerta said [you]170-malfoy were just going for a drink , [you]170-malfoy 'd be back ... ' ' Well , [I]0-i certainly did have a drink ... and [I]0-i came back ... after a fashion , ' mumbled [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . ' So [you]170-malfoy decided to spring a trap for [me]0-i ? ' ' [We]3816-we decided to put the Dark Mark over [the Tower]3817-the tower and get [you]170-malfoy to hurry up here , to see [who 'd been killed]3818-who 'd been killed , ' said [Malfoy]170-malfoy . ' And it worked ! ' ' Well ... yes and no ... ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . ' But am [I]0-i to take it , then , that [nobody]687-nobody has been murdered ? ' ' [Someone]5066-someone 's dead , ' said [Malfoy]170-malfoy and [his]170-malfoy voice seemed to go up an octave as [he]170-malfoy said it . ' [One of [[your]170-malfoy people]4353-your people]3821-one of your people ... [I]0-i do n't know who , it was dark ... [I]0-i stepped over the body ... [I]0-i was * supposed to be waiting up here when [you]170-malfoy got back , only [[your]170-malfoy Phoenix lot]3823-your phoenix lot got in the way ... ' ' Yes , [they]3823-your phoenix lot do that , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . There was a bang and shouts from below , louder than ever ; it sounded as though [people]681-people were fighting on the actual spiral staircase that led to where [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , [Malfoy]170-malfoy and [Harry]136-harry stood , and [Harry]136-harry 's heart thundered unheard in [his]136-harry invisible chest ... [someone]5066-someone was dead ... [Malfoy]170-malfoy had stepped over the body ... but who was it ? There is little time , one way or another , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . ' So let [us]3826-us discuss [your]170-malfoy options , [Draco]170-malfoy . ' ' [My]0-i options ! ' said [Malfoy]170-malfoy loudly . ' [I]0-i 'm standing here with a wand - [I]0-i 'm about to kill [you]170-malfoy - ' ' [[My]0-i dear boy]5222-my dear boy , let [us]3826-us have no more pretence about that . If [you]170-malfoy were going to kill [me]0-i , [you]170-malfoy would have done it when [you]170-malfoy first Disarmed [me]0-i , [you]170-malfoy would not have stopped for this pleasant chat about ways and means . ' ' [I]0-i have n't got any options ! ' said [Malfoy]170-malfoy , and [he]170-malfoy was sud- denly as white as [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . ' [I]0-i 've got to do it ! [He]3828-he 'll kill [me]0-i ! [He]3828-he 'll kill [[my]0-i whole family]5479-my whole family ! ' ' [I]0-i appreciate the difficulty of [your]170-malfoy position , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . ' Why else do [you]170-malfoy think [I]0-i have not confronted [you]170-malfoy before now ? Because [I]0-i knew that [you]170-malfoy would have been murdered if [Lord Voldemort]192-voldemort realised that [I]0-i suspected [you]170-malfoy . ' [Malfoy]170-malfoy winced at the sound of the name . ' [I]0-i did not dare speak to [you]170-malfoy of the mission with which [I]0-i knew [you]170-malfoy had been entrusted , in case [he]192-voldemort used Legilimency against [you]170-malfoy , ' continued [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . ' But now at last [we]3830-we can speak plainly to [each other]4377-each other ... no harm has been done , [you]170-malfoy have hurt [nobody]687-nobody , though [you]170-malfoy are very lucky that [[your]170-malfoy unintentional victims]3833-your unintentional victims survived ... [I]0-i can help [you]170-malfoy , [Draco]170-malfoy . ' ' No , [you]170-malfoy ca n't , ' said [Malfoy]170-malfoy , [his]170-malfoy wand hand shaking very badly indeed . ' [Nobody]687-nobody can . [He]192-voldemort told [me]0-i to do it or [he]192-voldemort 'll kill [me]0-i . [I]0-i 've got no choice . ' ' Come over to the right side , [Draco]170-malfoy , and [we]3830-we can hide [you]170-malfoy more completely than [you]170-malfoy can possibly imagine . What is more , [I]0-i can send [members of the Order]3835-members of the order to [[your]170-malfoy mother]4687-your mother tonight to hide [her]4687-your mother likewise . [[Your]170-malfoy father]4684-your father is safe at the moment in [Azkaban]3-azkaban ... when the time comes [we]3830-we can protect [him]4684-your father too ... come over to the right side , [Draco]170-malfoy ... [you]170-malfoy are not [a killer]6541-a killer ... ' [Malfoy]170-malfoy stared at [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . ' But [I]0-i got this far , did n't [I]0-i ? ' [he]0-i said slowly . [They]3839-they thought [I]0-i 'd die in the attempt , but [I]0-i 'm here ... and [you]170-malfoy 're in [my]0-i power ... [I]0-i 'm [the one with the wand]3840-the one with the wand ... [you]170-malfoy 're at [my]0-i mercy ... ' ' No , [Draco]170-malfoy , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore quietly . ' It is [my]0-i mercy , and not [yours]170-malfoy , that matters now . ' [Malfoy]170-malfoy did not speak . [His]170-malfoy mouth was open , [his]170-malfoy wand hand still trembling . [Harry]136-harry thought [he]136-harry saw it drop by a fraction - But suddenly footsteps were thundering up [the stairs]884-the stairs and a second later [Malfoy]170-malfoy was buffeted out of the way as [four people in black robes]3842-four people in black robes burst through the door on to the ram - parts . Still paralysed , [his]136-harry eyes staring unblinkingly , [Harry]136-harry gazed in terror upon [four strangers]3843-four strangers : it seemed [the Death Eaters]4511-the death eaters had won the fight below . [A lumpy - looking man with an odd lopsided leer]3845-a lumpy - looking man with an odd lopsided leer gave a wheezy giggle . ' [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore cornered ! ' [he]3845-a lumpy - looking man with an odd lopsided leer said , and [he]3845-a lumpy - looking man with an odd lopsided leer turned to [a stocky little woman who looked as though [she]3846-a stocky little woman who looked as though she could be his sister and who was grinning eagerly . ' dumbledore wandless , dumbledore alone could be [[his]3845-a lumpy - looking man with an odd lopsided leer sister]5340-his sister and who was grinning eagerly . ' [Dumbledore wandless]146-dumbledore , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore alone]3846-a stocky little woman who looked as though she could be his sister and who was grinning eagerly . ' dumbledore wandless , dumbledore alone ! Well done , [Draco]170-malfoy , well done ! ' ' Good evening , [Amycus]611-amycus , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore calmly , as though welcoming [the man]874-the man to a tea party . ' And [you]874-the man 've brought [Alecto]612-alecto too ... charming ... ' [The woman]3849-the woman gave an angry little titter . Think [your]874-the man little jokes'll help [you]874-the man on [your]874-the man death bed , then ? ' [she]3849-the woman jeered . ' Jokes ? No , no , these are manners , ' replied [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . ' Do it , ' said [the stranger standing nearest to [Harry]136-harry]3850-the stranger standing nearest to harry , [a big , rangy man with matted grey hair and whiskers , whose black Death Eater]3851-a big , rangy man with matted grey hair and whiskers , whose black death eater 's robes looked uncomfortably tight . [He]3850-the stranger standing nearest to harry had a voice like none that [Harry]136-harry had ever heard : a rasping bark of a voice . [Harry]136-harry could smell a powerful mixture of dirt , sweat and , unmistakeably , of blood coming from [him]3850-the stranger standing nearest to harry . [His]3850-the stranger standing nearest to harry filthy hands had long yellowish nails . ' Is that [you]874-the man , [Fenrir]283-greyback ? ' asked [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . That 's right , ' rasped [the other]844-the other . ' Pleased to see [me]0-i , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ? ' ' No , [I]0-i can not say that [I]0-i am ... ' [Fenrir Greyback]283-greyback grinned , showing pointed teeth . Blood trickled down [his]3850-the stranger standing nearest to harry chin and [he]3850-the stranger standing nearest to harry licked [his]3850-the stranger standing nearest to harry lips slowly , obscenely . ' But [you]146-dumbledore know how much [I]0-i like [kids]6132-kids , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . ' ' Am [I]0-i to take it that [you]146-dumbledore are attacking even without the full moon now ? This is most unusual ... [you]146-dumbledore have developed a taste for human flesh that can not be satisfied once a month ? ' That 's right , ' said [Greyback]283-greyback . ' Shocks [you]146-dumbledore , that , does it , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ? Frightens [you]146-dumbledore ? ' ' Well , [I]0-i can not pretend it does not disgust [me]0-i a little , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . ' And , yes , [I]0-i am a little shocked that [Draco]170-malfoy here invited [you]146-dumbledore , of [all people]5791-all people , into [the school where [[his]170-malfoy friends]1610-his friends live]3855-the school where his friends live ... ' ' [I]0-i did n't , ' breathed [Malfoy]170-malfoy . [He]170-malfoy was not looking at [Greyback]283-greyback ; [he]170-malfoy did not seem to want to even glance at [him]283-greyback . ' [I]0-i did n't know [he]170-malfoy was going to come - ' ' [I]0-i would n't want to miss a trip to [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , ' rasped [Greyback]283-greyback . ' Not when there are throats to be ripped out ... delicious , delicious ... ' And [he]0-i raised a yellow fingernail and picked at [his]0-i front teeth , leering at [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . ' 1 could do [you]146-dumbledore for afters , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ... ' ' No , ' said [the fourth Death Eater]3857-the fourth death eater sharply . [He]3857-the fourth death eater had a heavy , brutal - looking face . ' [We]3858-we 've got orders . [Draco]170-malfoy 's got to do it . Now , [Draco]170-malfoy , and quickly . ' [Malfoy]170-malfoy was showing less resolution than ever . [He]170-malfoy looked terrified as [he]170-malfoy stared into [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's face , which was even paler , and rather lower than usual , as [he]170-malfoy had slid so far down the rampart wall . ' [He]170-malfoy 's not long for [this world]3859-this world anyway , if [you]146-dumbledore ask [me]0-i ! ' said [the lopsided man]3860-the lopsided man , to the accompaniment of [[his]0-i sister]5340-his sister 's wheezing giggles . ' Look at [him]170-malfoy - what 's happened to [you]146-dumbledore , then , [Dumby]613-dumby ? ' ' Oh , weaker resistance , slower reflexes , [Amycus]611-amycus , ' said [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . ' Old age , in short ... one day , perhaps , it will happen to [you]146-dumbledore ... if [you]146-dumbledore are lucky ... ' ' What 's that mean , then , what 's that mean ? ' yelled [the Death Eater]3862-the death eater , suddenly violent . ' Always the same , were n't [yeh]3863-yeh , [Dumby]613-dumby , talking and doing nothing , nothing , [I]0-i do n't even know why [the Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord 's bothering to kill [yeh]3863-yeh ! Come on , [Draco]170-malfoy , do it ! ' But at that moment , there were renewed sounds of scuffling from below and a voice shouted , ' [They]3865-they 've blocked the stairs - Reducto ! REDUCTO ! ' [Harry]136-harry 's heart leapt : so [these four]3866-these four had not eliminated all opposition , but merely broken through the fight to the top of [the Tower]3817-the tower , and , by the sound of it , created a barrier behind [them]3866-these four - ' Now , [Draco]170-malfoy , quickly ! ' said [the brutal - faced man]3868-the brutal - faced man angrily . But [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's hand was shaking so badly that [he]170-malfoy could barely aim . Til do it , ' snarled [Greyback]283-greyback , moving towards [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore with [his]283-greyback hands outstretched , [his]283-greyback teeth bared . ' [I]0-i said no ! ' shouted [the brutal - faced man]3868-the brutal - faced man ; there was a flash of light and [the werewolf]6450-the werewolf was blasted out of the way ; [he]6450-the werewolf hit [the ramparts]6815-the ramparts and staggered , looking furious . [Harry]136-harry 's heart was hammering so hard it seemed impossible that [nobody]687-nobody could hear [him]136-harry standing there , imprisoned by [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's spell -if [he]136-harry could only move , [he]136-harry could aim a curse from under the Cloak - ' [Draco]170-malfoy , do it , or stand aside so one of [us]3873-us - ' screeched [the woman]3849-the woman , but at that precise moment the door to [the ramparts]6815-the ramparts burst open once more and there stood [Snape]221-snape , [his]221-snape wand clutched in [his]221-snape hand as [his]221-snape black eyes swept the scene , from [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore slumped against the wall , to the four Death Eaters , including [the enraged werewolf]3876-the enraged werewolf , and [Malfoy]170-malfoy . ' [We]3873-us 've got a problem , [Snape]221-snape , ' said the lumpy Amycus , whose eyes and wand were fixed alike upon [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , ' [the boy]4442-the boy does n't seem able - ' But [somebody else]1515-somebody else had spoken [Snape]221-snape 's name , quite softly . ' [Severus]156-snape ... ' The sound frightened [Harry]136-harry beyond anything [he]136-harry had experienced all evening . For the first time , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was pleading . [Snape]221-snape said nothing , but walked forwards and pushed [Malfoy]170-malfoy roughly out of the way . [The three Death Eaters]3879-the three death eaters fell back without a word . Even [the werewolf]6450-the werewolf seemed cowed . [Snape]221-snape gazed for a moment at [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , and there was revulsion and hatred etched in the harsh lines of [his]221-snape face . ' [Severus]156-snape ... please ... " [Snape]221-snape raised [his]221-snape wand and pointed it directly at [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . ' [Avada Kedavra]614-avada kedavra ! ' A jet of green light shot from the end of [Snape]221-snape 's wand and hit [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore squarely in the chest . [Harry]136-harry 's scream of horror never left [him]136-harry ; silent and unmoving , [he]136-harry was forced to watch as [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was blasted into the air : for a split second [he]146-dumbledore seemed to hang suspended beneath the shining skull , and then [he]146-dumbledore fell slowly backwards , like [a great rag doll]6875-a great rag doll , over the battlements and out of sight .[221-snape] Chapter 28 : Flight of [the Prince Harry]136-harry felt as though [he]136-harry too were hurtling through space ; it had not happened . . . . It could not have happened . ... " Out of [here]4439-here , quickly , "[221-snape] said [Snape]221-snape . [He]221-snape seized [Malfoy]170-malfoy by the scruff of the neck and forced [him]170-malfoy through the door ahead of [the rest]3881-the rest ; [Greyback]283-greyback and [the squat brother and sister]3882-the squat brother and sister followed , [the latter]6844-the latter both panting excitedly . As [they]3884-they vanished through the door , [Harry]136-harry realized [he]136-harry could move again . What was now holding [him]136-harry paralyzed against the wall was not magic , but horror and shock . [He]136-harry threw the Invisibility Cloak aside as [the brutal - faced Death Eater , last to leave the tower top]3885-the brutal - faced death eater , last to leave the tower top , was disappearing through the door . " [Petrificus Totalus]615-petrificus totalus ! "[3862-the death eater] [The Death Eater]3862-the death eater buckled as though hit in the back with something solid and fell to the ground , rigid as a waxwork , but [he]3862-the death eater had barely hit the floor when [Harry]136-harry was clambering over [him]3862-the death eater and running down [the darkened staircase]3887-the darkened staircase . Terror tore at [Harry;s]616-harry;s heart . ... [He]136-harry had to get to [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore and [he]136-harry had to catch [Snape]221-snape . ... Somehow the two things were linked . ... [He]136-harry could reverse what had happened if [he]136-harry had [them]3888-them both together . [... Dumbledore]146-dumbledore could not have died . ... [He]136-harry leapt the last ten steps of [the spiral staircase]2965-the spiral staircase and stopped where [he]136-harry landed , [his]136-harry wand raised . [The dimly lit corridor]3890-the dimly lit corridor was full of dust ; half the ceiling seemed to have fallen in ; and a battle was raging before [him]136-harry , but even as [he]136-harry attempted to make out who were fighting whom , [he]136-harry heard the hated voice shout , " It 's over , time to go ! "[221-snape] and saw [Snape]221-snape disappearing around the corner at the far end of [the corridor]4994-the corridor ; [he]221-snape and [Malfoy]170-malfoy seemed to have forced [their]3892-their way through the fight unscathed . As [Harry]136-harry plunged after [them]3892-their , [one of [the fighters]3894-the fighters]3893-one of the fighters detached [themselves]3893-one of the fighters from the fray and flew at [him]136-harry : it was the werewolf , [Fenrir]283-greyback . [He]136-harry was on top of [Harry]136-harry before [Harry]136-harry could raise [his]136-harry wand : [Harry]136-harry fell backward , with filthy matted hair in [his]136-harry face , the stench of sweat and blood filling [his]136-harry nose and mouth , hot greedy breath at [his]136-harry throat - " Petrificus Totalus ! "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry felt [Fenrir]283-greyback collapse against [him]136-harry ; with a stupendous effort [he]136-harry pushed [the werewolf]6450-the werewolf off and onto the floor as a jet of green light came flying toward [him]136-harry ; [he]136-harry ducked and ran , headfirst , into the fight . [His]136-harry feet met something squashy and slippery on the floor and [he]136-harry stumbled : There were two bodies lying there , lying facedown in a pool of blood , but there was no time to investigate . [Harry]136-harry now saw red hair flying like flames in front of [him]136-harry : [Ginny]236-ginny was locked in combat with [the lumpy Death Eater]3896-the lumpy death eater , [Amycus]611-amycus , who was throwing [hex]3897-hex after [hex]3897-hex at [her]236-ginny while [she]236-ginny dodged [them]3898-them : [Amycus]611-amycus was giggling , enjoying the sport : " Crucio - Crucio - [you]136-harry ca n't dance forever , pretty- "[611-amycus] " Impedimenta ! "[136-harry] yelled [Harry]136-harry . [His]136-harry jinx hit [Amycus]611-amycus in the chest : [He]136-harry gave a piglike squeal of pain , was lifted off [his]136-harry feet and slammed into the opposite wall , slid down [it]3899-it , and fell out of sight behind [Ron]217-ron , [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall , and [Lupin]227-lupin , each of whom was battling [a separate Death Eater]3900-a separate death eater . Beyond [them]3901-them , [Harry]136-harry saw [Tonks]226-tonks fighting [an enormous blond wizard who was sending curses flying in all directions]3902-an enormous blond wizard who was sending curses flying in all directions , so that they ricocheted off the walls around [them]3901-them , cracking stone , shattering the nearest window - " [Harry]136-harry , where did [you]136-harry come from ? "[236-ginny] [Ginny]236-ginny cried , but there was no time to answer [her]236-ginny . [He]136-harry put [his]136-harry head down and sprinted forward , narrowly avoiding a blast that erupted over [his]136-harry head , showering [them]3901-them all in bits of wall . [Snape]221-snape must not escape , [he]136-harry must catch up with [Snape]221-snape - " Take that ! "[251-professor mcgonagall] shouted [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall , and [Harry]136-harry glimpsed [the female Death Eater]3903-the female death eater , [Alecto]612-alecto , sprinting away down [the corridor]4994-the corridor with [her]612-alecto arms over [her]612-alecto head , [[her]612-alecto brother]1794-her brother right behind [her]612-alecto . [He]136-harry launched [himself]136-harry after [them]3901-them but [his]136-harry foot caught on something , and next moment [he]136-harry was lying across [someone]5066-someone 's legs . Looking around , [he]136-harry saw [Neville]174-neville 's pale , round face flat against the floor . " [Neville]174-neville , are [you]174-neville - ? "[174-neville] " M'all right , "[174-neville] muttered [Neville]174-neville , who was clutching [his]174-neville stomach , " [Harry]136-harry . . . [Snape]221-snape ' n ' [Malfoy]170-malfoy . . . ran past . . . "[174-neville] " [I]136-harry know , [I]136-harry 'm on it ! "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , aiming a hex from the floor at [the enormous blond Death Eater who was causing most of the chaos]3907-the enormous blond death eater who was causing most of the chaos . [The man]874-the man gave a howl of pain as the spell hit [him]874-the man in the face : [He]874-the man wheeled around , staggered , and then pounded away after [the brother and sister]3909-the brother and sister . [Harry]136-harry scrambled up from the floor and began to sprint along [the corridor]4994-the corridor , ignoring the bangs issuing from behind [him]136-harry , the yells of [the others]4977-the others to come back , and the mute call of [the figures on the ground whose fate [he]136-harry did not yet know]3912-the figures on the ground whose fate he did not yet know . . . . [He]136-harry skidded around the corner , [his]136-harry trainers slippery with blood ; [Snape]221-snape had an immense head start . Was it possible that [he]136-harry had already entered the cabinet in [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement , or had the Order made steps to secure [it]6325-the room of requirement , to prevent [the Death Eaters]198-the death eaters retreating that way ? [He]136-harry could hear nothing but [his]136-harry own pounding feet , [his]136-harry own hammering heart as [he]136-harry sprinted along [the next empty corridor]3914-the next empty corridor , but then spotted a bloody footprint that showed at least one of [the fleeing Death Eaters]3915-the fleeing death eaters was heading toward the front doors - perhaps [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement was indeed blocked - [He]136-harry skidded around another corner and a curse flew past [him]136-harry ; [he]136-harry dived behind a suit of armor that exploded . [He]136-harry saw [the brother and sister]3909-the brother and sister running down [the marble staircase]2856-the marble staircase ahead and aimed jinxes at [them]3909-the brother and sister , but merely hit [several bewigged witches in a portrait on [the landing]4963-the landing , who ran screeching into neighboring paintings]3919-several bewigged witches in a portrait on the landing , who ran screeching into neighboring paintings . As [he]136-harry leapt the wreckage of armor , [Harry]136-harry heard more shouts and screams ; [other people within [the castle]4540-the castle]3921-other people within the castle seemed to have awoken . . . . [He]136-harry pelted toward a shortcut , hoping to overtake [the brother and sister]3909-the brother and sister and close in on [Snape]221-snape and [Malfoy]170-malfoy , who must surely have reached [the grounds]1899-the grounds by now . Remembering to leap the vanishing step halfway down [the concealed staircase]3925-the concealed staircase , [he]136-harry burst through a tapestry at the bottom and out into [a corridor where a number of bewildered and pajama - clad Hufflepuffs stood]3926-a corridor where a number of bewildered and pajama - clad hufflepuffs stood . " [Harry]136-harry ! [We]6877-we heard a noise , and [someone]5066-someone said something aboui the Dark Mark - "[353-ernie] began [Ernie Macmillan]353-ernie . " Out of the way ! "[136-harry] yelled [Harry]136-harry , knocking [two boys]5751-two boys aside as [he]136-harry sprinted toward [the landing]4963-the landing and down the remainder of [the marble staircase]2856-the marble staircase . The oak front doors had been blasted open , there were smears of blood on the flagstones , and [several terrified students]3930-several terrified students stood huddled against the walls , [one or two still cowering with [their]3931-one or two still cowering with their arms over their faces arms over [their]3931-one or two still cowering with their arms over their faces faces]3931-one or two still cowering with their arms over their faces . The giant Gryffindor hourglass had been hit by a curse , and the rubies within were still falling , with a loud rattle , onto the flagstones below . [Harry]136-harry flew across [the entrance hall]5133-the entrance hall and out into [the dark grounds]3933-the dark grounds : [He]136-harry could just make out three figures racing across [the lawn]3934-the lawn , heading for the gates beyond which [they]3935-them could Disapparate - by the looks of [them]3935-them , [the huge blond Death Eater]3936-the huge blond death eater and , some way ahead of [him]136-harry , [Snape]221-snape and [Malfoy]170-malfoy . ... The cold night air ripped at [Harry]136-harry 's lungs as [he]136-harry tore after [them]3935-them ; [he]136-harry saw a flash of light in the distance that momentarily silhouetted [[his]136-harry quarry]3937-his quarry . [He]136-harry did not know what it was but continued to run , not yet near enough to get a good aim with a curse - Another flash , shouts , retaliatory jets of light , and [Harry]136-harry understood : [Hagrid]218-hagrid had emerged from [[his]3936-the huge blond death eater cabin]5431-his cabin and was trying to stop [the Death Eaters]198-the death eaters escaping , and though every breath seemed to shred [his]136-harry lungs and the stitch in [his]136-harry chest was like fire , [Harry]136-harry sped up as an unbidden voice in [his]136-harry head said : not [Hagrid]218-hagrid . . . not [Hagrid]218-hagrid too . . . Something caught [Harry]136-harry hard in the small of the back and [he]136-harry fell forward , [his]136-harry face smacking the ground , blood pouring out of both nostrils : [He]136-harry knew , even as [he]136-harry rolled over , [his]136-harry wand ready , that [the brother]3939-the brother and sister [he]136-harry had overtaken using [his]136-harry shortcut were closing in behind [him]136-harry . . . . " Impedimenta ! "[136-harry] [he]136-harry yelled as [he]136-harry rolled over again , crouching close to the dark ground , and miraculously [his]136-harry jinx hit one of [them]3940-them , who stumbled and fell , tripping up the other ; [Harry]136-harry leapt to [his]136-harry feet and sprinted on after [Snape]221-snape . And now [he]136-harry saw the vast outline of [Hagrid]218-hagrid , illuminated by the light of the crescent moon revealed suddenly behind clouds ; [the blond Death Eater]3941-the blond death eater was aiming curse after curse at [the gamekeeper]3942-the gamekeeper ; but [Hagrids]617-hagrids immense strength and the toughened skin [he]617-hagrids had inherited from [[his]617-hagrids giantess mother]3943-his giantess mother seemed to be protecting [him]617-hagrids . [Snape]221-snape and [Malfoy]170-malfoy , however , were still running ; [they]3940-them would soon be beyond the gates , able to Disapparate - [Harry]136-harry tore past [Hagrid]218-hagrid and [[his]136-harry opponent]3944-his opponent , took aim at [Snape]221-snape 's back , and yelled , " Stupefy ! "[136-harry] [He]136-harry missed ; the jet of red light soared past [Snape]221-snape 's head ; [Snape]221-snape shouted , " Run , [Draco!"and]618-draco!"and[221-snape] turned . Twenty yards apart , [he]221-snape and [Harry]136-harry looked at [each other]4377-each other before raising [their]3940-them wands simultaneously . " Cruc - "[221-snape] But [Snape]221-snape parried the curse , knocking [Harry]136-harry backward off [his]136-harry feet before [he]136-harry could complete it ; [Harry]136-harry rolled over and scrambled back up again as the huge Death Eater behind [him]136-harry yelled , " Incendio ! "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry heard an explosive bang and a dancing orange light spilled over all of [them]3946-them : [[Hagrid]218-hagrid 's house]3947-hagrid 's house was on fire . " Fang 's in there , [yer]136-harry evil - ! "[218-hagrid] [Hagrid]218-hagrid bellowed . " Cruc - "[136-harry] yelled [Harry]136-harry for the second time , aiming for [the figure ahead illuminated in the dancing firelight]3948-the figure ahead illuminated in the dancing firelight , but [Snape]221-snape blocked the spell again . [Harry]136-harry could see [him]221-snape sneering . " No Unforgivable Curses from [you]136-harry , [Potter]136-harry ! "[136-harry] [he]136-harry shouted over the rushing of the flames , [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's yells , and the wild yelping of the trapped Fang . " [You]136-harry have n't got the nerve or the ability - "[136-harry] " [Incarc-"Harry]619-incarc-"harry[136-harry] roared , but [Snape]221-snape deflected the spell with an almost lazy flick of [his]221-snape arm . " Fight back ! "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry screamed at [him]221-snape . " Fight back , [[you]136-harry cowardly-----]6879-you cowardly----- "[136-harry] " [Coward]6880-coward , did [you]221-snape call [me]221-snape , [Potter]136-harry ? "[221-snape] shouted [Snape]221-snape . " [[Your]136-harry father]4684-your father would never attack [me]221-snape unless it was four on one , what would [you]221-snape call [him]4684-your father , [I]221-snape wonder ? "[221-snape] " Stupe- "[136-harry] " Blocked again and again and again until [you]136-harry learn to keep [your]136-harry mouth shut and [your]136-harry mind closed , [Potter]136-harry ! "[221-snape] sneered [Snape]221-snape , deflecting the curse once more . " Now come ! "[221-snape] [he]221-snape shouted at the huge Death Eater behind [Harry]136-harry . " It is time to be gone , before [the Ministry]4400-the ministry turns up - "[221-snape] " Impedi - "[221-snape] But before [he]221-snape could finish this jinx , excruciating pain hit [Harry]136-harry ; [he]136-harry keeled over in the grass . [Someone]5066-someone was screaming , [he]136-harry would surely die of this agony , [Snape]221-snape was going to torture [him]136-harry to death or madness - " No ! "[221-snape] roared [Snape]221-snape 's voice and the pain stopped as suddenly as it had started ; [Harry]136-harry lay curled on the dark grass , clutching [his]136-harry wand and panting ; somewhere overhead [Snape]221-snape was shouting , " Have [you]136-harry forgotten [our]6883-our orders ? [Potter]136-harry belongs to [the Dark Lord]4469-the dark lord - [we]6883-our are to leave [him]136-harry ! Go ! Go ! "[221-snape] And [Harry]136-harry felt the ground shudder under [his]136-harry face as [the brother and sister]3909-the brother and sister and [the enormous Death Eater]3951-the enormous death eater obeyed , running toward the gates . [Harry]136-harry uttered an inarticulate yell of rage : In that instant , [he]136-harry cared not whether [he]136-harry lived or died . Pushing [himself]136-harry to [his]136-harry feet again , [he]136-harry staggered blindly toward [Snape]221-snape , [the man [he]136-harry now hated as much as [he]136-harry hated [Voldemort]192-voldemort [himself]136-harry]3952-the man he now hated as much as he hated voldemort himself - " Sectum - "[136-harry] [Snape]221-snape flicked [his]221-snape wand and the curse was repelled yet again ; but [Harry]136-harry was mere feet away now and [he]136-harry could see [Snape]221-snape 's face clearly at last : [He]221-snape was no longer sneering or jeering ; the blazing flames showed a face full of rage . Mustering all [his]136-harry powers of concentration , [Harry]136-harry thought , [Levi]620-levi - " No , [Potter]136-harry ! "[221-snape] screamed [Snape]221-snape . There was a loud BANG and [Harry]136-harry was soaring backward , hitting the ground hard again , ; un\ this time [his]136-harry wand flew out of [his]136-harry hand . [He]136-harry could hear [Hagrid]218-hagrid yelling and [Fang]398-fang howling as [Snape]221-snape closed in and looked down on [him]136-harry where [he]136-harry lay , wandless and defenseless as [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore hadl been . [Snape]221-snape 's pale face , illuminated by [the flaming cabin]3953-the flaming cabin , was suffused with hatred just as it had been before [he]221-snape had cursed [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . " [You]136-harry dare use [my]221-snape own spells against [me]221-snape , [Potter]136-harry ? It was [I]221-snape who invented them - [I]221-snape , [the Half - Blood Prince]136-harry ! And [you]136-harry 'd turn [my]221-snape inventions on [me]221-snape , like [[your]136-harry filthy father]6885-your filthy father , would [you]136-harry ? [I]221-snape do n't think so . . . no "[221-snape] [Harry]136-harry had dived for [his]136-harry wand ; [Snape]221-snape shot a hex at [it]3954-it and it flew feet away into the darkness and out of sight . " Kill [me]136-harry then , "[136-harry] panted [Harry]136-harry , who felt no fear at all , but only rage and contempt . " Kill [me]136-harry like [you]221-snape killed [him]221-snape , [[you]221-snape coward]6886-you coward - "[136-harry] " DON'T - "[221-snape] screamed [Snape]221-snape , and [his]221-snape face was suddenly demented , inhuman , as though [he]221-snape was in as much pain as the yelping , howling dog stuck in [the burning house]3955-the burning house behind [them]3956-them - " CALL [ME]221-snape [COWARD]6880-coward ! "[221-snape] And [he]221-snape slashed at the air : [Harry]136-harry felt a white - hot , whiplike something hit [him]136-harry across the face and was slammed backward into the ground . Spots of light burst in front of [his]136-harry eyes and for a moment all the breath seemed to have gone from [his]136-harry body , then [he]136-harry heard a rush of wings above [him]136-harry and something enormous obscured the stars . [Buckbeak]189-buckbeak had flown at [Snape]221-snape , who staggered backward as the razor - sharp claws slashed at [him]221-snape . As [Harry]136-harry raised [himself]136-harry into a sitting position , [his]136-harry head still swimming from its last contact with the ground , [he]136-harry saw [Snape]221-snape running as hard as [he]136-harry could , the enormous beast flapping behind [him]136-harry and screeching as [Harry]136-harry had never heard [him]221-snape screech - [Harry]136-harry struggled to [his]136-harry feet , looking around groggily for [his]136-harry wand , hoping to give chase again , but even as [his]136-harry fingers fumbled in the grass , discarding twigs , [he]136-harry knew it would be too late , and sure enough , by the time [he]136-harry had located [his]136-harry wand , [he]136-harry turned only to see the hippogriff circling the gates . [Snape]221-snape had managed to Disapparate just beyond [the school]1525-the school 's boundaries . " [Hagrid]218-hagrid , "[136-harry] muttered [Harry]136-harry , still dazed , looking around . " [HAGRID]218-hagrid ? "[136-harry] [He]136-harry stumbled toward [the burning house]3955-the burning house as an enormous figure emerged from out of the flames carrying [Fang]398-fang on [his]136-harry back . With a cry of thankfulness , [Harry]136-harry sank to [his]136-harry knees ; [he]136-harry was shaking in every limb , [his]136-harry body ached all over , and [his]136-harry breath came in painful stabs . " [Yeh]218-hagrid all righ ' , [Harry]136-harry ? [Yeh]218-hagrid all righ ' ? Speak ter [me]617-hagrids , [Harry]136-harry . . .. "[617-hagrids] [Hagrids]617-hagrids huge , hairy face was swimming above [Harry]136-harry , blocking out the stars . [Harry]136-harry could smell burnt wood and dog hair ; [he]136-harry put out a hand and felt [Fang]398-fang 's reassuringly warm and alive body quivering beside [him]136-harry . " [I]136-harry 'm all right , "[136-harry] panted [Harry]136-harry . " Are [you]617-hagrids ? "[136-harry] " ' Course [I]218-hagrid am . . . take more'n that ter finish [me]218-hagrid . "[218-hagrid] [Hagrid]218-hagrid put [his]617-hagrids hands under [Harry]136-harry 's arms and raised [him]136-harry up with such force that [Harry]136-harry 's feet momentarily left the ground before [Hagrid]218-hagrid set [him]136-harry upright again . [He]136-harry could see blood trickling down [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's cheek from a deep cut under one eye , which was swelling rapidly . " [We]6888-we should put out [[your]218-hagrid house]4483-your house , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , " the charm 's ' Aguamenti ' ... "[136-harry] " Knew it was summat like that , "[218-hagrid] mumbled [Hagrid]218-hagrid , and [he]617-hagrids raised a smoldering pink , flowery umbrella and said , " Aguamenti ! "[617-hagrids] A jet of water flew out of the umbrella tip . [Harry]136-harry raised [his]136-harry wand arm , which felt like lead , and murmured " Aguamenti "[136-harry] too : Together , [he]136-harry and [Hagrid]218-hagrid poured water on [the house]4472-the house until the last flame was extinguished . " S'not too bad , "[218-hagrid] said [Hagrid]218-hagrid hopefully a few minutes later , looking at the smoking wreck . " [Nothin Dumbledore]146-dumbledore won ' be able to put [righ]6890-righ ' . . . "[218-hagrid] [Harry]136-harry felt a searing pain in [his]136-harry stomach at the sound of the name . In the silence and the stillness , horror rose inside [him]136-harry . " [Hagrid]218-hagrid ... "[218-hagrid] " [I]218-hagrid was bindin ' up a couple o ' bowtruckle legs when [I]218-hagrid heard 'em coming , "[218-hagrid] said [Hagrid]218-hagrid sadly , still staring at [[his]136-harry wrecked cabin]3960-his wrecked cabin . " [They]6891-them 'll bin burnt ter twigs , poor little things . . . . "[218-hagrid] " [Hagrid]218-hagrid . . . "[218-hagrid] " But what happened , [Harry]136-harry ? [I]218-hagrid jus ' saw [them]6891-them [Death Eaters]198-the death eaters run - nin down from [the castle]4540-the castle , but what the ruddy hell was [Snape]221-snape doin' with ['em]221-snape ? Where 's [he]221-snape gone - was [he]221-snape chasin ' [them]6891-them ? "[218-hagrid] " [He]221-snape . . . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry cleared [his]136-harry throat ; it was dry from panic and the smoke . " [Hagrid]218-hagrid , [he]221-snape killed . . . "[136-harry] " Killed ? "[218-hagrid] said [Hagrid]218-hagrid loudly , staring down at [Harry]136-harry . " [Snape]221-snape killed ? What 're [yeh]218-hagrid on abou ' , [Harry]136-harry ? "[218-hagrid] " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . " [Snape]221-snape killed .. . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . "[218-hagrid] [Hagrid]218-hagrid simply looked at [him]136-harry , the little of [his]136-harry face that could be seen completely blank , uncomprehending . " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore wha , [Harry]136-harry ? "[218-hagrid] " [He]146-dumbledore 's dead . [Snape]221-snape killed [him]146-dumbledore .... "[218-hagrid] " Don ' say that , "[218-hagrid] said [Hagrid]218-hagrid roughly . " [Snape]221-snape kill [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore - don ' be stupid , [Harry]136-harry . [Wha]6893-wha 's made [yeh]136-harry say tha ' ? "[218-hagrid] " [I]218-hagrid saw it happen . "[218-hagrid] , , .. " [Yeh]136-harry couldn ' have . "[218-hagrid] " [I]136-harry saw it , [Hagrid]218-hagrid . "[136-harry] [Hagrid]218-hagrid shook [his]136-harry head ; [his]136-harry expression was disbelieving but sympathetic , and [Harry]136-harry knew that [Hagrid]218-hagrid thought [he]136-harry had sustained a blow to the head , that [he]136-harry was confused , perhaps by the aftereffects of a jinx . ... " What musta happened was , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore musta told [Snape]221-snape ter go with [them]6894-them [Death Eaters]198-the death eaters , "[218-hagrid] [Hagrid]218-hagrid said confidently . " [I]218-hagrid suppose [he]221-snape 's got ta keep [his]221-snape cover . Look , let 's get [yeh]136-harry back up ter [the school]1525-the school . Come on , [Harry]136-harry . ... "[218-hagrid] [Harry]136-harry did not attempt to argue or explain . [He]136-harry was still shaking uncontrollably . [Hagrid]218-hagrid would find out soon enough , too soon . ... As [they]3961-they directed [their]3961-they steps back toward [the castle]4540-the castle , [Harry]136-harry saw that many of [its]4540-the castle windows were lit now . [He]136-harry could imagine , clearly , the scenes inside as [people]681-people moved from room to room , telling [each other]4377-each other that [Death Eaters]198-the death eaters had got in , that the Mark was shining over [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts , that [somebody]1513-somebody must have been killed . . . . The oak front doors stood open ahead of [them]3961-they , light flooding out onto [the drive]6665-the drive and [the lawn]3934-the lawn . Slowly , uncertainly , [dressing - gowned people]3968-dressing - gowned people were creeping down the steps , looking around nervously for some sign of [the Death Eaters who had fled into the night]3969-the death eaters who had fled into the night . [Harry]136-harry 's eyes , however , were fixed upon the ground at [the foot of [the tallest tower]3971-the tallest tower]3970-the foot of the tallest tower . [He]136-harry imagined that [he]136-harry could see a black , huddled mass lying in the grass there , though [he]136-harry was really too far away to see anything of the sort . Even as [he]136-harry stared wordlessly at the place where [he]136-harry thought [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's body must lie , however , [he]136-harry saw [people]681-people beginning to move toward it . " What 're [they]3974-they all lookin ' at ? "[218-hagrid] said [Hagrid]218-hagrid , as [he]3973-him and [Harry]136-harry approached the castle front , [Fang]398-fang keeping as close as [he]398-fang could to [their]3974-they ankles . " Wha 's that lyin ' on the grass ? "[218-hagrid] [Hagrid]218-hagrid added sharply , heading now toward the foot of [the Astronomy Tower]3288-the astronomy tower , where [a small crowd]3976-a small crowd was congregating . " See it , [Harry]136-harry ? Right at the foot of [the tower]3817-the tower ? Under where the Mark . . . [Blimey]246-blimey . . . yeh don ' think [someone]5066-someone got thrown - ? "[218-hagrid] [Hagrid]218-hagrid fell silent , the thought apparently too horrible to express aloud . [Harry]136-harry walked alongside [him]3973-him , feeling the aches and pains in [his]136-harry face and [his]136-harry legs where the various hexes of the last half hour had hit [him]136-harry , though in an oddly detached way , as though [somebody near [him]136-harry]3977-somebody near him was suffering them . What was real and inescapable was the awful pressing feeling in [his]136-harry chest . . . . [He]136-harry and [Hagrid]218-hagrid moved , dreamlike , through [the murmuring crowd]3978-the murmuring crowd to the very front , where [the dumbstruck students]3979-the dumbstruck students and [teachers]4678-teachers had left a gap . [Harry]136-harry heard [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's moan of pain and shock , but [he]136-harry did not stop ; [he]136-harry walked slowly forward until [he]136-harry reached the place where [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore lay and crouched down beside [him]3973-him . [He]136-harry had known there was no hope from the moment that the full Body - Bind Curse [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had placed upon [him]136-harry lifted , known that it could have happened only because [its caster]3981-its caster was dead , but there was still no preparation for seeing [him]136-harry here , spread - eagled , broken : [the greatest wizard [Harry]136-harry had ever , or would ever , meet]3982-the greatest wizard harry had ever , or would ever , meet . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's eyes were closed ; but for the strange angle of [his]146-dumbledore arms and legs , [he]146-dumbledore might have been sleeping . [Harry]136-harry reached out , straightened the half - moon spectacles upon the crooked nose , and wiped a trickle of blood from the mouth with [his]136-harry own sleeve . Then [he]136-harry gazed down at [the wise old face]3983-the wise old face and tried to absorb the enormous and incomprehensible truth : that never again would [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore speak to [him]136-harry , never again could [he]136-harry help----- [The crowd]4912-the crowd murmured behind [Harry]136-harry . After what seemed like a long time , [he]136-harry became aware that [he]136-harry was kneeling upon something hard and looked down . The locket [they]3985-they had managed to steal so many hours before had fallen out of [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's pocket . It had opened , perhaps due to the force with which it hit the ground . And although [he]136-harry could not feel more shock or horror or sadness than [he]136-harry felt already , [Harry]136-harry knew , as [he]136-harry picked it up , that there was something wrong----- [He]136-harry turned the locket over in [his]136-harry hands . This was neither as large as the locket [he]136-harry remembered seeing in the Pensieve , nor were there any markings upon it , no sign of the ornate S that was supposed to be [Slytherins]295-the slytherins mark . Moreover , there was nothing inside but for a scrap of folded parchment wedged tightly into the place where a portrait should have been . Automatically , without really thinking about what [he]136-harry was doing , [Harry]136-harry pulled out the fragment of parchment , opened it , and read by the light of the many wands that had now been lit behind [him]136-harry : To the Dark Lord [I]0-i now [I]0-i will be dead long before [you]3986-you read this but [I]0-i want [you]3986-you to know that it was [I]0-i who dicovered [your]3986-you secret . [I]0-i have stolen the real Horcrux and intend to destroy it as soon as [I]0-i can . [I]0-i face death in the hope that when [you]3986-you meet [your]3986-you match [you]3986-you will be mortal once more . [R.A.B. Harry]136-harry neither knew nor cared what the message meant . Only one thing mattered : This was not a Horcrux . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had weakened [himself]146-dumbledore by drinking that terrible potion for nothing . [Harry]136-harry crumpled the parchment in [his]136-harry hand , and [his]136-harry eyes burned with tears as behind [him]136-harry [Fang]398-fang began to howl . Chapter 29 : The Phoenix Lament C ' mere , [Harry]136-harry ... " "[136-harry] No . " "[136-harry] [Yeh]3986-you can ' stay here , [Harry]136-harry . ... Come on , now .... " "[136-harry] No . " [He]136-harry did not want to leave [Dumbledores]426-dumbledores side , [he]136-harry did not want to move anywhere . [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's hand on [his]136-harry shoulder was trembling . Then another voice said , "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry , come on . " A much smaller and warmer hand had enclosed [his]136-harry and was pulling [him]136-harry upward . [He]136-harry obeyed its pressure without really thinking about it . Only as [he]136-harry walked blindly back through [the crowd]4912-the crowd did [he]136-harry realize , from a trace of flowery scent on the air , that it was [Ginny]236-ginny who was leading [him]136-harry back into [the castle]4540-the castle . Incomprehensible voices battered [him]136-harry , sobs and shouts and wails stabbed the night , but [Harry]136-harry and [Ginny]236-ginny walked on , back up the steps into [the entrance hall]5133-the entrance hall . [Faces]623-faces swam on the edges of [Harry]136-harry 's vision , [people]681-people were peering at [him]136-harry , whispering , wondering , and Gryffindor rubies glistened on the floor like drops of blood as [they]3987-we made [their]3987-we way toward the marble staircase . "[136-harry] [We]3987-we 're going to [the hospital wing]5397-the hospital wing , " said [Ginny]236-ginny . "[3987-we] [I]0-i 'm not hurt , " said [Harry]136-harry . ! "[3987-we] It 's [McGonagalls]624-mcgonagalls orders , " said [Ginny]236-ginny . "[624-mcgonagalls] [Everyone]4750-everyone 's up there , [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]358-hermione and [Lupin]227-lupin and [everyone]4750-everyone - " Fear stirred in [Harry]136-harry 's chest again : [He]136-harry had forgotten the inert figures [he]136-harry had left behind . "[4750-everyone] [Ginny]236-ginny , who else is dead ? " "[236-ginny] Do n't worry , [none of [us]3987-we]4876-none of us . " "[4876-none of us] But the Dark Mark - [Malfoy]170-malfoy said [he]170-malfoy stepped over a body - " "[170-malfoy] [He]170-malfoy stepped over [Bill]241-bill , but its all right , [he]170-malfoy 's alive . " There was something in [her]236-ginny voice , however , that [Harry]136-harry knew boded ill . "[170-malfoy] Are [you]236-ginny sure ? " "[236-ginny] Of course [I]0-i 'm sure . . . [he]170-malfoy 's a - a bit of a mess , that 's all . [Greyback]283-greyback attacked [him]170-malfoy . [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey says [he]170-malfoy wo n't - wo n't look the same anymore . . . . " [Ginny]236-ginny 's voice trembled a little . "[320-madam pomfrey] [We]3987-we do n't really know what the aftereffects will be - [I]0-i mean , [Greyback]283-greyback being [a werewolf]5853-a werewolf , but not transformed at the time . " "[283-greyback] But [the others]4977-the others . . . There were other bodies on the ground . . . . " "[174-neville] [Neville]174-neville and [Professor Flitwick]383-professor flitwick are both hurt , but [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey says [they]3994-they 'll be all right . And [a Death Eater]4651-a death eater 's dead , [he]4651-a death eater got hit by a Killing Curse [that huge blond one]3996-that huge blond one was firing off everywhere - [Harry]136-harry , if [we]3987-we had n't had [your]136-harry Felix potion , [I]0-i think [we]3987-we 'd all have been killed , but everything seemed to just miss [us]3987-we - " [They]3987-we had reached [the hospital wing]5397-the hospital wing . Pushing open the doors , [Harry]136-harry saw [Neville]174-neville lying , apparently asleep , in a bed near the door . [Ron]217-ron , [Hermione]358-hermione , [Luna]288-luna , [Tonks]226-tonks , and [Lupin]227-lupin were gathered around another bed near the far end of [the ward]6126-the ward . At the sound of the doors opening , [they]3987-we all looked up . [Hermione]358-hermione ran to [Harry]136-harry and hugged [him]136-harry ; [Lupin]227-lupin moved forward too , looking anxious . "[136-harry] Are [you]136-harry all right , [Harry]136-harry ? " "[136-harry] [I]0-i 'm fine .... How 's [Bill]241-bill ? " [Nobody]687-nobody answered . [Harry]136-harry looked over [Hermione]358-hermione 's shoulder and saw an unrecognizable face lying on [Bill]241-bill 's pillow , so badly slashed and ripped that [he]241-bill looked grotesque . [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey was dabbing at [his]241-bill wounds with some harsh - smelling green ointment . [Harry]136-harry remembered how [Snape]221-snape had mended [Malfoy]170-malfoy 's Sectumsempra wounds so easily with [his]221-snape wand . "[241-bill] Ca n't [you]3997-you fix them with a charm or something ? " [he]136-harry asked [the matron]5112-the matron . "[3997-you] No charm will work on these , " said [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey . "[3997-you] [I]0-i 've tried everything [I]0-i know , but there is no cure for werewolf bites . " "[241-bill] But [he]241-bill was n't bitten at the full moon , " said [Ron]217-ron , who was gazing down into [[his]217-ron brother]4700-his brother 's face as though [he]217-ron could somehow force [him]4700-his brother to mend just by staring . "[241-bill] [Greyback]283-greyback had n't transformed , so surely [Bill]241-bill wo n't be a - a real - ? " : [He]217-ron looked uncertainly at [Lupin]227-lupin . "[241-bill] No , [I]0-i do n't think that [Bill]241-bill will be [a true werewolf]3998-a true werewolf , " said [Lupin]227-lupin , "[0-i] but that does not mean that there wo n't be some contamination . Those are cursed wounds . [They]3999-they are unlikely ever to heal fully , and - and [Bill]241-bill might have some wolfish characteristics from now on . " "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore might know something that 'd work , though , " [Ron]217-ron said . "[146-dumbledore] Where is [he]241-bill ? [Bill]241-bill fought [those maniacs]4000-those maniacs on [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's orders , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore owes [him]241-bill , [he]146-dumbledore ca n't leave [him]241-bill in this state - " "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron - [Dumbledores]426-dumbledores dead , " said [Ginny]236-ginny . "[426-dumbledores] No ! " [Lupin]227-lupin looked wildly from [Ginny]236-ginny to [Harry]136-harry , as though hoping [the latter]6844-the latter might contradict [her]236-ginny , but when [Harry]136-harry did nor , [Lupin]227-lupin collapsed into a chair beside [Bill]241-bill 's bed , [his]227-lupin hands over [his]227-lupin face . [Harry]136-harry had never seen [Lupin]227-lupin lose control before ; [he]136-harry felt as though [he]227-lupin was intruding upon something private , indecent . [He]136-harry turned away and caught [Ron]217-ron 's eye instead , exchanging in silence a look that confirmed what [Ginny]236-ginny had said . "[426-dumbledores] How did [he]426-dumbledores die ? " whispered [Tonks]226-tonks . "[426-dumbledores] How did it happen ? " "[221-snape] [Snape]221-snape killed [him]426-dumbledores , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[221-snape] [I]0-i was [there]4506-there , [I]0-i saw it . [We]4002-we arrived back on [the Astronomy Tower]3288-the astronomy tower because that 's where the Mark was . . . . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was ill , [he]146-dumbledore was weak , but [I]0-i think [he]146-dumbledore realized it was a trap when [we]4002-we heard footsteps running up [the stairs]884-the stairs . [He]221-snape immobilized [me]0-i , [I]0-i could n't do anything , [I]0-i was under the Invisibility Cloak - and then [Malfoy]170-malfoy came through the door and disarmed [him]426-dumbledores - " [Hermione]358-hermione clapped [her]358-hermione hands to [her]358-hermione mouth and [Ron]217-ron groaned . [Luna]288-luna 's mouth trembled . "[170-malfoy] - more [Death Eaters]4567-death eaters arrived - and then [Snape]221-snape - and [Snape]221-snape did it . [The Avada Kedavra]614-avada kedavra . " [Harry]136-harry could n't go on . [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey burst into tears . [Nobody]687-nobody paid [her]320-madam pomfrey any attention except [Ginny]236-ginny , who whispered , "[614-avada kedavra] Shh ! Listen ! " Gulping , [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey pressed [her]320-madam pomfrey fingers to [her]320-madam pomfrey mouth , [her]320-madam pomfrey eyes wide . Somewhere out in the darkness , a phoenix was singing in a way [Harry]136-harry had never heard before : a stricken lament of terrible beauty . And [Harry]136-harry felt , as [he]136-harry had felt about phoenix song before , that the music was inside [him]136-harry , not without : It was [his]136-harry own grief turned magically to song that echoed across [the grounds]1899-the grounds and through the castle windows . How long [they]6910-their all stood there , listening , [he]136-harry did not know , nor why it seemed to ease [their]6910-their pain a little to listen to the sound of [their]6910-their mourning , but it felt like a long time later that the hospital door opened again and [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall entered [the ward]6126-the ward . Like [all the rest]6912-all the rest , [she]251-professor mcgonagall bore marks of the recent battle : There were grazes on [her]251-professor mcgonagall face and [her]251-professor mcgonagall robes were ripped . "[223-molly] [Molly]223-molly and [Arthur]223-molly are on [their]4006-their way , " [she]251-professor mcgonagall said , and the spell of the music was broken : [Everyone]4750-everyone roused [themselves]4750-everyone as though coming out of trances , turning again to look at [Bill]241-bill , or else to rub [their]4750-everyone own eyest shake [their]4750-everyone heads . "[136-harry] [Harry]136-harry , what happened ? According to [Hagrid]218-hagrid [you]136-harry were with [Professor Dumbledore]146-dumbledore when [he]146-dumbledore - when it happened . [He]146-dumbledore says [Professor Snape]221-snape was involved in some - " "[221-snape] [Snape]221-snape killed [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , " said [Harry]136-harry . [She]251-professor mcgonagall stared at [him]221-snape for a moment , then swayed alarmingly ; [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey , who seemed to have pulled [herself]320-madam pomfrey together , ran forward , conjuring a chair from thin air , which [she]320-madam pomfrey pushed under [McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall . "[221-snape] [Snape]221-snape , " repeated [McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall faintly , falling into the chair . "[221-snape] [We]4007-we all wondered . . . but [he]221-snape trusted . . . always . . . [Snape]221-snape ... [I]0-i ca n't believe it . ... " "[221-snape] [Snape]221-snape was a highly accomplished Occlumens , " said [Lupin]227-lupin , [his]227-lupin voice uncharacteristically harsh . "[221-snape] [We]4007-we always knew that . " "[4007-we] But [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore swore [he]221-snape was on [our]4007-we side ! " whispered [Tonks]226-tonks . "[146-dumbledore] [I]0-i always thought [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore must know something about [Snape]221-snape that [we]4007-we did n't . ... " . "[146-dumbledore] [He]146-dumbledore always hinted that [he]146-dumbledore had an ironclad reason for trusting [Snape]221-snape , " muttered [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall , now dabbing at the corners of [her]251-professor mcgonagall leaking eyes with a tartan - edged handkerchief . "[146-dumbledore] [I]0-i mean . . . with [Snapes]364-snapes history ... of course [people]681-people were bound to wonder . . . but [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore told [me]0-i explicitly that [Snape]221-snape 's repentance was absolutely genuine-----Wouldn't hear a word against [him]221-snape ! " "[0-i] [I]0-i 'd love to know what [Snape]221-snape told [him]221-snape to convince [him]221-snape , " said [Tonks]226-tonks . "[221-snape] [I]0-i know , " said [Harry]136-harry , and [they]6914-they all turned to look at [him]136-harry . "[221-snape] [Snape]221-snape passed [Voldemort]192-voldemort the information that made [Voldemort]192-voldemort hunt down [[my]0-i mum]3269-my mum and [dad]4813-dad . Then [Snape]221-snape told [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore [he]221-snape had n't realized what [he]221-snape was doing , [he]221-snape was really sorry [he]221-snape 'd done it , sorry that [they]4011-they were dead . " [They]4011-they all stared at [him]221-snape . "[221-snape] And [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore believed that ? " said [Lupin]227-lupin incredulously . "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore believed [Snape]221-snape was sorry [James]136-harry was dead ? [Snape]221-snape hated [James]136-harry . . . . " "[221-snape] And [he]221-snape did n't think [[my]0-i mother]4685-my mother was worth a damn either , " said [Harry]136-harry , "[221-snape] because [she]4685-my mother was [Muggle - born ... ' Mudblood]625-muggle - born ... ' mudblood , ' [he]221-snape called [her]4685-my mother . ... " [Nobody]687-nobody asked how [Harry]136-harry knew this . [All of [them]2461-all of them]2461-all of them seemed to be lost in horrified shock , trying to digest the monstrous truth of what had happened . "[221-snape] This is all [my]0-i fault , " said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall suddenly . [She]251-professor mcgonagall looked disoriented , twisting [her]251-professor mcgonagall wet handkerchief in [her]251-professor mcgonagall hands . "[0-i] [My]0-i fault . [I]0-i sent [Filius]626-filius to fetch [Snape]221-snape tonight , [I]0-i actually sent for [him]221-snape to come and help [us]4013-we ! If [I]0-i had n't alerted [Snape]221-snape to what was going on , [he]221-snape might never have joined forces with [the Death Eaters]4511-the death eaters . [I]0-i do n't think [he]221-snape knew [they]4511-the death eaters were there before [Filius]626-filius told [him]221-snape , [I]0-i do n't think [he]221-snape knew [they]4511-the death eaters were coming . " "[221-snape] It is n't [your]4015-your fault , [Minerva]627-minerva , " said [Lupin]227-lupin firmly . "[627-minerva] [We]4013-we all wanted more help , [we]4013-we were glad to think [Snape]221-snape was on [his]221-snape way .... " "[4015-your] So when [he]221-snape arrived at the fight , [he]221-snape joined in on [the Death Eaters]198-the death eaters ' side ? " asked [Harry]136-harry , who wanted every detail of [Snape]221-snape 's duplicity and infamy , feverishly collecting more reasons to hate [him]221-snape , to swear vengeance . "[221-snape] [I]0-i do n't know exactly how it happened , " said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall distractedly . "[0-i] It 's all so confusing . . . . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had told [us]4013-we that [he]221-snape would be leaving [the school]1525-the school for a few hours and that [we]4013-we were to patrol [the corridors]1409-the corridors just in case . . . [Remus]227-lupin , [Bill]241-bill , and [Nymphadora]225-nymphadora were to join [us]4013-we ... and so [we]4013-we patrolled . [All]1565-all seemed quiet . [Every secret passageway out of [the school]1525-the school]4019-every secret passageway out of the school was covered . [We]4013-we knew [nobody]687-nobody could fly in . There were powerful enchantments on every entrance into [the castle]4540-the castle . [I]0-i still do n't know how [the Death Eaters]4511-the death eaters can possibly have entered . . . . " "[0-i] [I]0-i do , " said [Harry]136-harry , and [he]136-harry explained , briefly , about the pair of [Vanishing Cabinets]130-vanishing cabinets and the magical pathway [they]4511-the death eaters formed . "[0-i] So [they]4511-the death eaters got in through [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement . " Almost against [his]136-harry will [he]136-harry glanced from [Ron]217-ron to [Hermione]358-hermione , [both of whom]6917-both of whom looked devastated . "[0-i] [I]0-i messed up , [Harry]136-harry , " said [Ron]217-ron bleakly . "[136-harry] [We]4013-we did like [you]136-harry told [us]4013-we : [We]4013-we checked the [Marauder]518-the marauder 's Map and [we]4013-we could n't see [Malfoy]170-malfoy on it , so [we]4013-we thought [he]170-malfoy must be in [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement , so [me]0-i , [Ginny]236-ginny , and [Neville]174-neville went to keep watch on it ... but [Malfoy]170-malfoy got past [us]4013-we . " "[170-malfoy] [He]170-malfoy came out of [the room]685-the room about an hour after [we]4013-we started keeping watch , " said [Ginny]236-ginny . "[170-malfoy] [He]170-malfoy was on [his]170-malfoy own , clutching that awful shriveled arm - " "[170-malfoy] [His]170-malfoy Hand of Glory , " said [Ron]217-ron . "[170-malfoy] Gives light only to [the holder]4027-the holder , remember ? " "[170-malfoy] Anyway , " [Ginny]236-ginny went on , "[170-malfoy] [he]170-malfoy must have been checking whether [the coast]3620-the coast was clear to let [the Death Eaters]4511-the death eaters out , because the moment [he]170-malfoy saw [us]4013-we [he]170-malfoy threw something into the air and it all went pitch - black - " "[170-malfoy] - Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder , " said [Ron]217-ron bitterly . "[232-fred] [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george 's . [I]0-i 'm going to be having a word with [them]4030-them about who [they]4030-them let buy [their]4030-them products . " "[4013-we] [We]4013-we tried everything , Lumos , Incendio , " said [Ginny]236-ginny . "[4013-we] Nothing would penetrate the darkness ; all [we]4013-we could do was grope [our]4013-we way out of [the corridor]4994-the corridor again , and meanwhile [we]4013-we could hear [people]681-people rushing past [us]4013-we . [Obviously Malfoy]170-malfoy could see because of that hand thing and was guiding [them]681-people , but [we]4013-we did n't dare use any curses or anything in case [we]4013-we hit [each other]4377-each other , and by the time [we]4013-we 'd reached [a corridor that was light]4034-a corridor that was light , [they]681-people 'd gone . " "[681-people] Luckily , " said [Lupin]227-lupin hoarsely , "[217-ron] [Ron]217-ron , [Ginny]236-ginny , and [Neville]174-neville ran into [us]4013-we almost immediately and told [us]4013-we what had happened . [We]4013-we found [the Death Eaters]198-the death eaters minutes later , heading in the direction of [the Astronomy Tower]3288-the astronomy tower . [Malfoy]170-malfoy obviously had n't expected [more people]4036-more people to be on the watch ; [he]170-malfoy seemed to have exhausted [his]170-malfoy supply of Darkness Powder , at any rate . A fight broke out , [they]681-people scattered and [we]4013-we gave chase . [One of [them]681-people]6449-one of them , [Gibbon]628-gibbon , broke away and headed up [the tower stairs]4038-the tower stairs - " "[6449-one of them] To set off the Mark ? " asked [Harry]136-harry . "[628-gibbon] [He]628-gibbon must have done , yes , [they]681-people must have arranged that before [they]681-people left [the Room of Requirement]6325-the room of requirement , " said [Lupin]227-lupin . "[681-people] But [I]0-i do n't think [Gibbon]628-gibbon liked the idea of waiting up there alone for [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , because [he]628-gibbon came running back [downstairs]4615-downstairs to rejoin the fight and was hit by a Killing Curse that just missed [me]0-i . " "[628-gibbon] So if [Ron]217-ron was watching [the Room of [Requirement]559-requirement with [Ginny]236-ginny and [Neville]174-neville]4041-the room of requirement with ginny and neville , " said [Harry]136-harry , turning to [Hermione]358-hermione , "[4042-you] were [you]4042-you - ? " "[4042-you] Outside [[Snape]221-snape 's office]4043-snape 's office , yes , " whispered [Hermione]358-hermione , [her]358-hermione eyes sparkling with tears , "[4042-you] with [Luna]288-luna . [We]4044-we hung around for ages outside it and nothing happened . . . . [We]4044-we did n't know what was going on [upstairs]1716-upstairs , [Ron]217-ron had taken the map-----It was nearly midnight when [Professor Flitwick]383-professor flitwick came sprinting down into [the dungeons]5814-the dungeons . [He]217-ron was shouting about [Death Eaters]198-the death eaters in [the castle]4540-the castle , [I]0-i do n't think [he]217-ron really registered that [Luna]288-luna and [I]0-i were there at all , [he]217-ron just burst [his]217-ron way into [[Snape]221-snape 's office]4043-snape 's office and [we]4044-we heard [him]217-ron saying that [Snape]221-snape had to go back with [him]217-ron and help and then [we]4044-we heard a loud thump and [Snape]221-snape came hurtling out of [[his]221-snape room]5622-his room and [he]221-snape saw [us]4044-we and - and - " "[221-snape] What ? " [Harry]136-harry urged [her]6918-her . "[221-snape] [I]0-i was so stupid , [Harry]136-harry ! " said [Hermione]358-hermione in a high - pitched whisper . "[221-snape] [He]221-snape said [Professor Flitwick]383-professor flitwick had collapsed and that [we]4044-we should go and take care of [him]221-snape while [he]221-snape - while [he]221-snape went to help fight [the Death Eaters]198-the death eaters - " [She]6918-her covered [her]6918-her face in shame and continued to talk into [her]6918-her fingers , so that [her]6918-her voice was muffled . "[4044-we] [We]4044-we went into [[his]221-snape office]652-his office to see if [we]4044-we could help [Professor Flitwick]383-professor flitwick and found [him]221-snape unconscious on the floor . . . and oh , it 's so obvious now , [Snape]221-snape must have [Stupefied Flitwick]629-stupefied flitwick , but [we]4044-we did n't realize , [Harry]136-harry , [we]4044-we did n't realize , [we]4044-we just let [Snape]221-snape go ! " "[4044-we] It 's not [your]136-harry fault , " said [Lupin]227-lupin firmly . "[358-hermione] [Hermione]358-hermione , had [you]136-harry not obeyed [Snape]221-snape and got out of the way , [he]221-snape probably would have killed [you]136-harry and [Luna]288-luna . " "[221-snape] So then [he]221-snape came [upstairs]1716-upstairs , " said [Harry]136-harry , who was watching [Snape]221-snape running up [the marble staircase]2856-the marble staircase in [his]136-harry mind 's eye , [his]221-snape black robes billowing behind [him]221-snape as ever , pulling [his]221-snape wand from under [his]221-snape cloak as [he]221-snape ascended , "[221-snape] and [he]221-snape found the place where [you]136-harry were all fighting . ... " "[4052-we] [We]4052-we were in trouble , [we]4052-we were losing , " said [Tonks]226-tonks in a low voice . "[628-gibbon] [Gibbon]628-gibbon was down , but [the rest of [the Death Eaters]4511-the death eaters]4053-the rest of the death eaters seemed ready to fight to the death . [Neville]174-neville had been hurt , [Bill]241-bill had been savaged by [Greyback]283-greyback ... It was all dark . . . curses flying everywhere . . . [The Malfoy boy]6207-the malfoy boy had vanished , [he]6207-the malfoy boy must have slipped past , up [the stairs]884-the stairs . . . then more of [them]4511-the death eaters ran after [him]6207-the malfoy boy , but one of [them]4511-the death eaters blocked the stair behind [them]4511-the death eaters with some kind of curse . . . . [Neville]174-neville ran at it and got thrown up into the air - " "[174-neville] [None of [us]4052-we]4876-none of us could break through , " said [Ron]217-ron , "[174-neville] and [that massive Death Eater]4058-that massive death eater was still firing off jinxes all over [the place]4424-the place , [they]4060-they were bouncing off the walls and barely missing [us]4052-we . . . . " "[4058-that massive death eater] And then [Snape]221-snape was there , " said [Tonks]226-tonks , "[221-snape] and then [he]221-snape was n't - " "[221-snape] [I]0-i saw [him]221-snape running toward [us]4052-we , but [that huge Death Eaters jinx]4061-that huge death eaters jinx just missed [me]0-i right afterward and [I]0-i ducked and lost track of things , " said [Ginny]236-ginny . "[221-snape] [I]0-i saw [him]221-snape run straight through the cursed barrier as though it was n't there , " said [Lupin]227-lupin . "[221-snape] [I]0-i tried to follow [him]221-snape , but was thrown back just like [Neville]174-neville . . . . " "[221-snape] [He]221-snape must have known a spell [we]4052-we did n't , " whispered [McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall . "[221-snape] After all - [he]221-snape was the Defense Against [the Dark Arts teacher]4779-the dark arts teacher . ... [I]0-i just assumed that [he]221-snape was in a hurry to chase after [the Death Eaters who 'd escaped up to [the tower]3817-the tower]4063-the death eaters who 'd escaped up to the tower . ... " "[221-snape] [He]221-snape was , " said [Harry]136-harry savagely , "[221-snape] but to help [them]4063-the death eaters who 'd escaped up to the tower , not to stop [them]4063-the death eaters who 'd escaped up to the tower . . . and [I]0-i 'll bet [you]4065-you had to have a Dark Mark to get through that barrier - so what happened when [he]221-snape came back down ? " "[221-snape] Well , [the big Death Eater]4066-the big death eater had just fired off a hex that caused half the ceiling to fall in , and also broke the curse blocking the stairs , " said [Lupin]227-lupin . "[4052-we] [We]4052-we all ran forward - those of [us]4052-we who were still standing anyway - and then [Snape]221-snape and [the boy]4442-the boy emerged out of the dust - obviously , none of [us]4052-we attacked [them]4063-the death eaters who 'd escaped up to the tower - " "[4052-we] [We]4052-we just let [them]4063-the death eaters who 'd escaped up to the tower pass , " said [Tonks]226-tonks in a hollow voice . "[4052-we] [We]4052-we thought [they]4063-the death eaters who 'd escaped up to the tower were being chased by [the Death Eaters]198-the death eaters - and next thing , [the other Death Eaters]4068-the other death eaters and [Greyback]283-greyback were back and [we]4052-we were fighting again - [I]0-i thought [I]0-i heard [Snape]221-snape shout something , but [I]0-i do n't know what - " "[221-snape] [He]221-snape shouted , ' It 's over , ' " said [Harry]136-harry . "[221-snape] [He]221-snape 'd done what [he]221-snape 'd meant to do . " [They]4052-we all fell silent . [Fawkes]365-fawkes 's lament was still echoing over [the dark grounds outside]6920-the dark grounds outside . As the music reverberated upon the air , unbidden , unwelcome thoughts slunk into [Harry]136-harry 's mind . . . . Had [they]4063-the death eaters who 'd escaped up to the tower taken [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's body from [the foot of [the tower]3817-the tower]6921-the foot of the tower yet ? What would happen to it next ? Where would it rest ? [He]136-harry clenched [his]136-harry fists tighdy in [his]136-harry pockets . [He]136-harry could feel the small cold lump of the fake Horcrux against the knuckles of [his]136-harry right hand . The doors of [the hospital wing]5397-the hospital wing burst open , making [them]4052-we all jump : [Mr.]6924-mr. and [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid were striding up [the ward]6126-the ward , [Fleur]238-fleur just behind [them]4063-the death eaters who 'd escaped up to the tower , [her]238-fleur beautiful face terrified . "[221-snape] [Molly - Arthur]223-molly - " said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall , jumping up and hurrying to greet [them]4063-the death eaters who 'd escaped up to the tower . "[223-molly] [I]0-i am so sorry - " "[241-bill] [Bill]241-bill , " whispered [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , darting past [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall as [she]218-hagrid caught sight of [Bill]241-bill 's mangled face . "[241-bill] Oh , [Bill]241-bill ! " [Lupin]227-lupin and [Tonks]226-tonks had got up hastily and retreated so that [Mr.]6926-mr. and [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid could get nearer to the bed . [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid bent over [[her]218-hagrid son]5023-her son and pressed [her]218-hagrid lips to [his]241-bill bloody forehead . "[241-bill] [You]0-i said [Greyback]283-greyback attacked [him]241-bill ? " [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley asked [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall distractedly . "[0-i] But [he]241-bill had n't transformed ? So what does that mean ? What will happen to [Bill]241-bill ? " "[241-bill] [We]4069-we do n't yet know , " said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall , looking helplessly at [Lupin]227-lupin . "[4069-we] There will probably be some contamination , [Arthur]223-molly , " .said [Lupin]227-lupin . "[223-molly] It is an odd case , possibly unique . . . . [We]4069-we do n't know what [his]241-bill behavior might be like when [he]241-bill awakens . . . . " [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid took the nasty - smelling ointment from [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey and began dabbing at [Bill]241-bill 's wounds . "[4069-we] And [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore ... " said [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley . "[627-minerva] [Minerva]627-minerva , is it true ... Is [he]241-bill really . . . ? " As [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall nodded , [Harry]136-harry felt [Ginny]236-ginny move beside [him]136-harry and looked at [her]236-ginny . [Her]236-ginny slightly narrowed eyes were fixed upon [Fleur]238-fleur , who was gazing down at [Bill]241-bill with a frozen expression on [her]238-fleur face . "[146-dumbledore] [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore gone , " whispered [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley , but [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid had eyes only for [[her]218-hagrid eldest son]6928-her eldest son ; [she]218-hagrid began to sob , tears falling onto [Bill]241-bill 's mutilated face . "[146-dumbledore] Of course , it does n't matter how [he]241-bill looks . . . . It 's not r - really important . . . but [he]241-bill was [a very handsome little b - boy]4070-a very handsome little b - boy . . . always very handsome . . . and [he]241-bill was g - going to be married ! " "[4071-you] And what do [you]4071-you mean by zat ? " said [Fleur]238-fleur suddenly and loudly . "[4071-you] What do [you]4071-you mean , ' [he]241-bill was going to be married ? ' " [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid raised [her]218-hagrid tear - stained face , looking startled . "[4071-you] Well -only that- " "[4071-you] [You]4071-you theenk [Bill]241-bill will not wish to marry [me]0-i anymore ? " demanded [Fleur]238-fleur . "[4071-you] [You]4071-you [theenk]4071-you , because of these bites , [he]241-bill will not love [me]0-i ? " "[4071-you] No , that 's not what [I]0-i - " "[0-i] Because ' [e]4072-e will ! " said [Fleur]238-fleur , drawing [herself]238-fleur up to [her]238-fleur full height and throwing back [her]238-fleur long mane of silver hair . "[4072-e] It would take more zan a werewolf to stop [Bill]241-bill loving [me]0-i ! " "[4072-e] Well , yes , [I]0-i 'm sure , " said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid , "[4072-e] but [I]0-i thought perhaps - given how - how [he]241-bill - " "[241-bill] [You]4071-you thought [I]0-i would not weesh to marry [him]241-bill ? Or per'aps , [you]4071-you hoped ? " said [Fleur]238-fleur , [her]238-fleur nostrils flaring . "[4071-you] What do [I]0-i care how [he]241-bill looks ? [I]0-i am good - looking enough for both of [us]4073-us , [I]0-i theenk ! All these scars show is zat [[my]0-i husband]4521-my husband is brave ! And [I]0-i shall do zat ! " [she]238-fleur added fiercely , pushing [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid aside and snatching the ointment from [her]238-fleur . [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid fell back against [[her]218-hagrid husband]4767-her husband and watched [Fleur]238-fleur mopping up [Bill]241-bill 's wounds with a most curious expression upon [her]238-fleur face . [Nobody]687-nobody said anything ; [Harry]136-harry did not dare move . Like [everybody else]5199-everybody else , [he]136-harry was waiting for the explosion . "[0-i] [[Our]4075-our Great - Auntie [Muriel]436-muriel]436-muriel , " said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid after a long pause , "[436-muriel] has a very beautiful tiara - goblin - made - which [I]0-i am sure [I]0-i could persuade [her]436-muriel to lend [you]4076-you for the wedding . [She]436-muriel is very fond of [Bill]241-bill , [you]4076-you know , and it would look lovely with [your]4076-you hair . " "[436-muriel] Thank [you]4076-you , " said [Fleur]238-fleur stiffly . "[436-muriel] [I]0-i am sure zat will be lovely . " And then , [Harry]136-harry did not quite see how it happened , both , [women]6428-women were crying and hugging [each other]4377-each other . Completely bewildered , wondering whether [the world]714-the world had gone mad , [he]136-harry turned around : [Ron]217-ron looked as stunned as [he]136-harry felt and [Ginny]236-ginny and [Hermione]358-hermione were exchanging startled looks . "[4076-you] [You]4076-you see ! " said a strained voice . [Tonks]226-tonks was glaring at [Lupin]227-lupin . "[4076-you] [She]436-muriel still wants to marry [him]241-bill , even though [he]241-bill 's been bitten ! [She]436-muriel does n't care ! " It 's different , "[227-lupin] said [Lupin]227-lupin , barely moving [his]227-lupin lips and looking suddenly tense . " [Bill]241-bill will not be [a full werewolf]6935-a full werewolf . The cases are completely - "[227-lupin] " But [I]226-tonks do n't care either , [I]226-tonks do n't care ! "[226-tonks] said [Tonks]226-tonks , seizing the front of [Lupin]227-lupin 's robes and shaking them . " [I]226-tonks 've told [you]227-lupin a million times . . . . "[226-tonks] And the meaning of [Tonks]226-tonks 's Patronus and [her]226-tonks mouse - colored hair , and the reason [she]226-tonks had come running to find [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore when [she]226-tonks had heard a rumor [someone]5066-someone had been attacked by [Greyback]283-greyback , all suddenly became clear to [Harry]136-harry ; it had not been [Sinus]411-sinus that [Tonks]226-tonks had fallen in love with after all . " And [I]227-lupin 've told [you]227-lupin a million times , "[227-lupin] said [Lupin]227-lupin , refusing to meet [her]226-tonks eyes , staring at the floor , " that [I]227-lupin am too old for [you]227-lupin , too poor . . . too dangerous . . . . "[227-lupin] " [I]218-hagrid 've said all along [you]227-lupin 're taking a ridiculous line on this , [Remus]227-lupin , "[218-hagrid] said [Mrs. Weasley]218-hagrid over [Fleur]238-fleur 's shoulder as [she]226-tonks patted [her]226-tonks on the back . " [I]227-lupin am not being ridiculous , "[227-lupin] said [Lupin]227-lupin steadily . " [Tonks]226-tonks deserves [somebody young and whole]6936-somebody young and whole . "[227-lupin] " But [she]218-hagrid wants [you]227-lupin , "[220-mr. weasley] said [Mr. Weasley]220-mr. weasley , with a small smile . " And after all , [Remus]227-lupin , [young and whole men]6937-young and whole men do not necessarily remain so . "[220-mr. weasley] [He]220-mr. weasley gestured sadly at [[his]220-mr. weasley son]5341-his son , lying between [them]4079-them . " This is ... not the moment to discuss it , "[227-lupin] said [Lupin]227-lupin , avoiding [everybody]4716-everybody 's eyes as [he]227-lupin looked around distractedly . " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore is dead . ... "[227-lupin] " [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore would have been happier than [anybody]665-anybody to think that there was a little more love in [the world]714-the world , "[251-professor mcgonagall] said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall curtly , just as the hospital doors opened again and [Hagrid]218-hagrid walked in . The little of [his]220-mr. weasley face that was not obscured by hair or beard was soaking and swollen ; [he]220-mr. weasley was shaking with tears , a vast , spotted handkerchief in [his]220-mr. weasley hand . " [I]220-mr. weasley 've . . . [I]220-mr. weasley 've done it , [Professor]251-professor mcgonagall , "[220-mr. weasley] [he]220-mr. weasley choked . " M - moved [him]220-mr. weasley . [Professor Sprout]344-professor sprout 's got [the kids]6678-the kids back in bed . [Professor Flitwick]383-professor flitwick 's lyin down , but [he]383-professor flitwick says [he]383-professor flitwick 'll be all righ ' in a jiffy , an ' [Professor Slughorn]216-slughorn says [the Ministry]4400-the ministry 's bin informed . "[220-mr. weasley] " Thank [you]251-professor mcgonagall , [Hagrid]218-hagrid , "[251-professor mcgonagall] said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall , standing up at once and turning to look at the group around [Bill]241-bill 's bed . " [I]251-professor mcgonagall shall have to see [the Ministry]4400-the ministry when [they]4400-the ministry get [here]4439-here . [Hagrid]218-hagrid , please tell [the Heads of Houses]6944-the heads of houses - [Slughorn]216-slughorn can represent [Slytherin]434-slytherin - that [I]251-professor mcgonagall want to see [them]4400-the ministry in [[my]251-professor mcgonagall office]4453-my office forthwith . [I]251-professor mcgonagall would like [you]218-hagrid to join [us]6946-us too . "[251-professor mcgonagall] As [Hagrid]218-hagrid nodded , turned , and shuffled out of [the room]685-the room again , [she]218-hagrid looked down at [Harry]136-harry . " Before [I]218-hagrid meet [them]4400-the ministry [I]218-hagrid would like a quick word with [you]136-harry , [Harry]136-harry . If [you]136-harry 'll come with [me]218-hagrid . ... "[218-hagrid] [Harry]136-harry stood up , murmured " See [you]136-harry in a bit "[136-harry] to [Ron]217-ron , [Hermione]358-hermione , and [Ginny]236-ginny , and followed [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall back down [the ward]6126-the ward . [The corridors outside]4083-the corridors outside were deserted and the only sound was the distant phoenix song . It was several minutes before [Harry]136-harry became aware that [they]4084-they were not heading for [[Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall 's office]2571-professor mcgonagall 's office , but for [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's , and another few seconds before [he]136-harry realized that of course , [she]251-professor mcgonagall had been [deputy headmistress]4086-deputy headmistress , . . . Apparently [she]251-professor mcgonagall was now [headmistress]4087-headmistress ... so [the room behind the gargoyle]4088-the room behind the gargoyle was now [hers]251-professor mcgonagall . In silence [they]4084-they ascended [the moving spiral staircase]3614-the moving spiral staircase and entered [the circular office]1734-the circular office . [He]136-harry did not know what [he]136-harry had expected : that [the room]685-the room would be draped in black , perhaps , or even that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's body might be lying there . In fact , it looked almost exactly as it had done when [he]136-harry and [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had left [it]685-the room mere hours previously : the silver instruments whirring and puffing on [their]4084-they spindle legged tables , [Gryffindor]597-gryffindor 's sword in its glass case gleaming in the moonlight , the Sorting Hat on a shelf behind the desk , [the Fawkes]365-fawkes 's perch stood empty , [he]365-fawkes was still crying [his]365-fawkes lament to [the grounds]1899-the grounds . And a new portrait had joined the ranks of [the dead headmasters and headmistresses of [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts]4093-the dead headmasters and headmistresses of hogwarts : [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was slumbering in a golden frame over the desk , [his]146-dumbledore half - moon spectacle perched upon [his]146-dumbledore crooked nose , looking peaceful and untroubled . After glancing once at this portrait , [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall made an odd movement as though steeling [herself]251-professor mcgonagall , then rounded the ' desk to look at [Harry]136-harry , [her]251-professor mcgonagall face taut and lined . " [Harry]136-harry , "[251-professor mcgonagall] [she]251-professor mcgonagall said , " [I]251-professor mcgonagall would like to know what [you]136-harry and [Professor Dumbledore]146-dumbledore were doing this evening when [you]136-harry left [the school]1525-the school . "[251-professor mcgonagall] " [I]136-harry ca n't tell [you]251-professor mcgonagall that , [Professor]4626-professor , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry . [He]136-harry had expected the question and had [his]136-harry answer ready . It had been [here]4439-here , in [this very room]4095-this very room , that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had told [him]136-harry that [he]146-dumbledore was to confide the contents of [their]4096-their lessons to [nobody]687-nobody but [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]358-hermione . " [Harry]136-harry , it might be important , "[251-professor mcgonagall] said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall . " It is , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , " very , but [he]146-dumbledore did n't want [me]136-harry to tell [anyone]660-anyone . "[136-harry] [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall glared at [him]136-harry . " [Potter]136-harry "[251-professor mcgonagall] - [Harry]136-harry registered the renewed use of [his]136-harry surname - " in the light of [Professor Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's death , [I]136-harry think [you]136-harry must see that the situation has changed somewhat - "[136-harry] " [I]136-harry do n't think so , "[136-harry] said [Harry]136-harry , shrugging . " [Professor Dumbledore]146-dumbledore never told [me]136-harry to stop following [his]146-dumbledore orders if [he]146-dumbledore died . "[136-harry] But - " There 's one thing [you]136-harry should know before [the Ministry]4400-the ministry gets [here]4439-here , though . [Madam Rosmerta]184-rosmerta 's under the Imperius Curse , [she]184-rosmerta was helping [Malfoy]170-malfoy and [the Death Eaters]198-the death eaters , that 's how the necklace and the poisoned mead - "[136-harry] " [Rosmerta]184-rosmerta ? "[251-professor mcgonagall] said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall incredulously , but before [she]251-professor mcgonagall could go on , there was a knock on the door behind [them]4098-them and [Professors Sprout]630-professors sprout , [Flitwick]383-professor flitwick , and [Slughorn]216-slughorn traipsed into [the room]685-the room , followed by [Hagrid]218-hagrid , who was still weeping copiously , [his]216-slughorn huge frame trembling with grief . " [Snape]221-snape ! "[216-slughorn] ejaculated [Slughorn]216-slughorn , who looked the most shaken , pale and sweating . " [Snape]221-snape ! [I]216-slughorn taught [him]221-snape ! [I]216-slughorn thought [I]216-slughorn knew [him]221-snape ! "[216-slughorn] But before [any of [them]4098-them]4100-any of them could respond to this , a sharp voice spoke from high on the wall : [A sallow - faced wizard with a short black fringe]4101-a sallow - faced wizard with a short black fringe had just walked back into [his]4101-a sallow - faced wizard with a short black fringe empty canvas . " [Minerva]627-minerva , [the Minister]971-the minister will be [here]4439-here within seconds , [he]971-the minister has just Disapparated from [the Ministry]4400-the ministry . "[4101-a sallow - faced wizard with a short black fringe] " Thank [you]251-professor mcgonagall , [Everard]631-everard , "[251-professor mcgonagall] said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall , and [she]251-professor mcgonagall turned quickly to [[her]251-professor mcgonagall teachers]4102-her teachers . " [I]251-professor mcgonagall want to talk about what happens to [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts before [he]971-the minister gets [here]4439-here , "[251-professor mcgonagall] [she]251-professor mcgonagall said quickly . " Personally , [I]251-professor mcgonagall am not convinced that [the school]1525-the school should reopen next year . The death of [the headmaster]1054-the headmaster at the hands of [one of [[our]6959-we colleagues]6960-our colleagues]6958-one of our colleagues is a terrible stain upon [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts 's history . It is horrible . "[251-professor mcgonagall] " [I]344-professor sprout am sure [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore would have wanted [the school]1525-the school to remain open , "[344-professor sprout] said [Professor Sprout]344-professor sprout . " [I]344-professor sprout feel that if [a single pupil]6962-a single pupil wants to come , then [the school]1525-the school ought to remain open for [that pupil]6964-that pupil . "[344-professor sprout] " But will [we]6959-we have [a single pupil]6962-a single pupil after this ? "[216-slughorn] said [Slughorn]216-slughorn , now dabbing [his]216-slughorn sweating brow with a silken handkerchief . " [Parents]6966-parents will want to keep [[their]6966-parents children]1904-their children at [home]1044-home and [I]216-slughorn ca n't say [I]216-slughorn blame [them]1904-their children . Personally , [I]216-slughorn do n't think [we]6959-we 're in more danger at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts than [we]6959-we are anywhere else , but [you]6969-you ca n't expect [mothers]6970-mothers to think like that . [They]6970-mothers 'll want to keep [[their]6970-mothers families]1218-their families together , it 's only natural . "[216-slughorn] " [I]251-professor mcgonagall agree , "[251-professor mcgonagall] said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall . " And in any case , it is not true to say that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore never envisaged a situation in which [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts might close . When [the Chamber of Secrets]5984-the chamber of secrets reopened [he]146-dumbledore considered the closure of [the school]1525-the school - and [I]251-professor mcgonagall must say that [Professor Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's murder is more disturbing to [me]251-professor mcgonagall than the idea of [Slytherin]434-slytherin 's monster living undetected in [the bowels of [the castle]4540-the castle]6974-the bowels of the castle . . . . "[251-professor mcgonagall] " [We]6976-we must consult [the governors]6977-the governors , "[383-professor flitwick] said [Professor Flitwick]383-professor flitwick in [his]383-professor flitwick squeaky little voice ; [he]383-professor flitwick had a large bruise on [his]383-professor flitwick forehead but seemed otherwise unscathed by [his]383-professor flitwick collapse in [[Snape]221-snape 's office]4043-snape 's office . " [We]6976-we must follow the established procedures . A decision should not be made hastily . "[383-professor flitwick] " [Hagrid]218-hagrid , [you]218-hagrid have n't said anything , "[251-professor mcgonagall] said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall . " What are [your]218-hagrid views , ought [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts to remain open ? "[251-professor mcgonagall] [Hagrid]218-hagrid , who had been weeping silently into [his]4104-his large , spotted handkerchief throughout this conversation , now raised puffy red eyes and croaked , " [I]218-hagrid dunno , [Professor]4626-professor . . . that 's fer [the Heads of [House]515-house]2742-the heads of house an [the headmistress]6980-the headmistress ter decide ... "[218-hagrid] " [Professor Dumbledore]146-dumbledore always valued [your]218-hagrid views , "[251-professor mcgonagall] said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall kindly , " and so do [I.]251-professor mcgonagall "[251-professor mcgonagall] " Well , [I]218-hagrid 'm stayin , "[218-hagrid] said [Hagrid]218-hagrid , fat tears still leaking out of the corners of [his]4104-his eyes and trickling down into [his]4104-his tangled beard . " It 's [me]4104-his [home]1044-home , it 's bin [me]4104-his [home]1044-home since [I]4104-his was thirteen . An ' if there 's kids who wan ' [me]4104-his ter teach ['em]6983-'em , [I]4104-his 'll do it . But ... [I]4104-his dunno ... [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts without [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore .. . "[4104-his] [He]4104-his gulped and disappeared behind [his]4104-his handkerchief once more , and there was silence . " Very well , "[251-professor mcgonagall] said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall , glancing out of the window at [the grounds]1899-the grounds , checking to see whether [the Minister]971-the minister was yet approaching , " then [I]971-the minister must agree with [Filius]626-filius that the right thing to do is to consult [the governors , who will make the final decision]6984-the governors , who will make the final decision . "[971-the minister] Now , as to getting [students]967-students [home]1044-home . . . there is an argument for doing it sooner rather than later . [We]4109-we could arrange for the Hogwarts Express to come tomorrow if necessary - " "[4109-we] What about [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's funeral ? " said [Harry]136-harry , speaking at last . "[146-dumbledore] Well . . . " said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall , losing a little of [her]251-professor mcgonagall briskness as [her]251-professor mcgonagall voice shook . "[0-i] [I]0-i - [I]0-i know that it was [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's wish to be laid to rest here , at [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts - " "[0-i] Then that 's what 'll happen , is n't it ? " said [Harry]136-harry fiercely . "[0-i] If [the Ministry]4400-the ministry thinks it appropriate , " said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall . "[4111-no other headmaster or headmistress] [No other headmaster or headmistress]4111-no other headmaster or headmistress has ever been - " "[4111-no other headmaster or headmistress] [No other headmaster]4112-no other headmaster or [headmistress]4087-headmistress ever gave more to [this school]5528-this school , " growled [Hagrid]218-hagrid . "[4111-no other headmaster or headmistress] [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts should be [[Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's final resting place]4115-dumbledore 's final resting place , " said [Professor Flitwick]383-professor flitwick . "[146-dumbledore] Absolutely , " said [Professor Sprout]344-professor sprout . "[146-dumbledore] And in that case , " said [Harry]136-harry , "[4116-you] [you]4116-you should n't send [the students]1583-the students [home]1044-home until the jfuneral 's over . [They]1583-the students 'll want to say - " The last word caught in [his]136-harry throat , but [Professor Sprout]344-professor sprout completed the sentence for [him]136-harry . "[1583-the students] Good - bye . " "[146-dumbledore] Well said , " squeaked [Professor Flitwick]383-professor flitwick . "[146-dumbledore] Well said indeed ! [[Our]4119-our students]4120-our students should pay tribute , it is fitting . [We]4119-our can arrange transport [home]1044-home afterward . " "[146-dumbledore] Seconded , " barked [Professor Sprout]344-professor sprout . ] "[0-i] [I]0-i suppose ... yes .. . " said [Slughorn]216-slughorn in a rather agitated voice , while [Hagrid]218-hagrid let out a strangled sob of assent . "[4122-he] [He]4122-he 's coming , " said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall suddenly , gazing down into [the grounds]1899-the grounds . "[971-the minister] [The Minister]971-the minister . . . and by the looks of it . [he]4122-he 's brought [a delegation]4124-a delegation . . . " "[4122-he] Can [I]0-i leave , [Professor]4626-professor ? " said [Harry]136-harry at once . [He]136-harry had no desire at all to see , or be interrogated by , [Rufus Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour tonight . "[4626-professor] [You]0-i may , " said [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall . "[4626-professor] And quickly . " [She]251-professor mcgonagall strode toward the door and held it open for [him]136-harry . [He]136-harry sped down [the spiral staircase]2965-the spiral staircase and off along [the deserted corridor]6987-the deserted corridor ; [he]136-harry - had left [his]136-harry Invisibility Cloak at [the top of [the Astronomy Tower]3288-the astronomy tower]6988-the top of the astronomy tower , but it did not matter ; there was nobody in [the corridors]1409-the corridors to see [him]136-harry pass , not even [Filch]327-filch , [Mrs. Norris]438-mrs. norris , or [Peeves]460-peeves . [He]136-harry did not meet [another soul]6991-another soul until [he]136-harry turned into [the passage leading to [the Gryffindor common room]6993-the gryffindor common room]6992-the passage leading to the gryffindor common room . "[4626-professor] Is it true ? " whispered [the Fat Lady]2094-the fat lady as [he]136-harry approached [her]2094-the fat lady . "[4626-professor] It is really true ? [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore - dead ? " "[146-dumbledore] Yes , " said [Harry]136-harry . [She]2094-the fat lady let out a wail and , without waiting for the password , swung forward to admit [him]136-harry . As [Harry]136-harry had suspected it would be , [the common room]1602-the common room was jam - packed . [The room]685-the room fell silent as [he]136-harry climbed through the portrait hole . [He]136-harry saw [Dean]261-dean and [Seamus]330-seamus sitting in a group nearby : This meant that [the dormitory]2782-the dormitory must be empty , or nearly so . Without speaking to [anybody]665-anybody , without making eye contact at all , [Harry]136-harry walked straight across [the room]685-the room and through the door to [[the boys]1179-the boys ' dormitories]5456-the boys ' dormitories . As [he]136-harry had hoped , [Ron]217-ron was waiting for [him]136-harry , still fully dressed , sitting on [his]217-ron bed . [Harry]136-harry sat down on [his]136-harry own four - poster and for a moment , [they]7002-they simply stared at [each other]4377-each other . "[146-dumbledore] [They]4126-they 're talking about closing [the school]1525-the school , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[4126-they] [Lupin]227-lupin said [they]4126-they would , " said [Ron]217-ron . There was a pause . "[4126-they] So ? " said [Ron]217-ron in a very low voice , as though [he]217-ron thought the furniture might be listening in . "[4128-you] Did [you]4128-you find one ? Did [you]4128-you get it ? A - a Horcrux ? " [Harry]136-harry shook [his]136-harry head . All that had taken place around [that black lake]7004-that black lake seemed like an old nightmare now ; had it really happened , and only hours ago ? "[4128-you] [You]4128-you did n't get it ? " said [Ron]217-ron , looking crestfallen . "[4128-you] It was n't [there]4506-there ? " "[4128-you] No , " said [Harry]136-harry . "[4128-you] [Someone]5066-someone had already taken it and left a fake in its place . " "[5066-someone] Already taken - ? " Wordlessly , [Harry]136-harry pulled the fake locket from [his]136-harry pocket , opened it , and passed it to [Ron]217-ron . The full story could wait . ... It did not matter tonight . . . nothing mattered except the end , the end of [their]7005-their pointless adventure , the end of [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's life . . . . "[5066-someone] R.A.B. , " whispered [Ron]217-ron , "[5066-someone] but who was that ? " "[5066-someone] Dunno , " said [Harry]136-harry , lying back on [his]136-harry bed fully clothed and staring blankly upwards . [He]136-harry felt no curiosity at all about [R.A.B.]136-harry : [He]136-harry doubted that [he]136-harry would ever feel curious again . As [he]136-harry lay there , [he]136-harry became aware suddenly that [the grounds]1899-the grounds were silent . [Fawkes]365-fawkes had stopped singing . And [he]136-harry knew , without knowing how [he]136-harry knew it , that [ilie phoenix]166-the phoenix had gone , had left [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts for good , just as [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had left [the school]1525-the school , had left [the world]714-the world . . . had left [Harry]136-harry .[5066-someone] Chapter 30 : [The White Tomb]4131-the white tomb All lessons were suspended , all examinations postponed . [Some students]4132-some students were hurried away from [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts by [[their]4132-some students parents]5869-their parents over the next couple of days - [the Patil twins]5385-the patil twins were gone before breakfast on the morning following [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's death and [Zacharias Smith]310-zacharias smith was escorted from [the castle]4540-the castle by [[his]310-zacharias smith haughty - looking father]4136-his haughty - looking father . [Seamus Finnigan]632-seamus finnigan , on the other hand , refused point - blank to accompany [[his]632-seamus finnigan mother]1264-his mother [home]1044-home ; [they]4139-they had a shouting match in [the Entrance Hall]5133-the entrance hall which was resolved when [she]1264-his mother agreed that [he]632-seamus finnigan could remain behind for the funeral . [She]1264-his mother had difficulty in finding a bed in [Hogsmeade]61-hogsmeade , [Seamus]632-seamus finnigan told [Harry]136-harry and [Ron]217-ron , for [wizards]713-wizards and [witches]712-witches were pouring into [the village]1756-the village , preparing to pay [their]4139-they last respects to [Durnbledore]633-durnbledore . Some excitement was caused among [the younger students , who had never seen it before]4144-the younger students , who had never seen it before , when [a powder - blue carriage]4145-a powder - blue carriage the size of [a house , pulled by a dozen giant winged palo - minos]4146-a house , pulled by a dozen giant winged palo - minos , came soaring out of the sky in the late afternoon before the funeral and landed on [the edge of [the Forest]132-the forest]4147-the edge of the forest . [Harry]136-harry watched from a window as [a gigantic and handsome olive - skinned , black - haired woman]4148-a gigantic and handsome olive - skinned , black - haired woman descended the carriage steps and threw [herself]4148-a gigantic and handsome olive - skinned , black - haired woman into the waiting [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's arms . Meanwhile [a delegation of [Ministry officials]4150-ministry officials , including [the Minister for Magic [himself]4151-the minister for magic himself]4151-the minister for magic himself]4149-a delegation of ministry officials , including the minister for magic himself , was being accommodated within [the castle]4540-the castle . [Harry]136-harry was diligently avoiding contact with any of [them]4149-a delegation of ministry officials , including the minister for magic himself ; [he]136-harry was sure that , sooner or later , [he]136-harry would be asked again to account for [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's last excursion from [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts . [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , [Hermione]358-hermione and [Ginny]236-ginny were spending all of [their]4149-a delegation of ministry officials , including the minister for magic himself time together . The beautiful weather seemed to mock [them]4149-a delegation of ministry officials , including the minister for magic himself ; [Harry]136-harry could imagine how it would have been if [Durnbledore]633-durnbledore had not died , and [they]4149-a delegation of ministry officials , including the minister for magic himself had had this time together at the very end of the year , [Ginny]236-ginny 's examinations finished , the pressure of homework lifted ... and hour by hour , [he]136-harry put off saying the thing that [he]136-harry knew [he]136-harry must say , doing what [he]136-harry knew it was right to do , because it was too hard to forgo [his]136-harry best source of comfort . [They]4149-a delegation of ministry officials , including the minister for magic himself visited [the hospital wing]5397-the hospital wing twice a day : [Neville]174-neville had been discharged , but [Bill]241-bill remained under [Madam Pomfrey]320-madam pomfrey 's care . [His]241-bill scars were as bad as ever ; in truth , [he]241-bill now bore a distinct resemblance to [Mad - Eye Moody]228-mad - eye moody , though thankfully with both eyes and legs , but in personality [he]241-bill seemed jusi the same as ever . All that appeared to have changed was that [he]241-bill now had a great liking for very rare steaks . ' ... so eet ees lucky ' e is marrying [me]0-i , ' said [Fleur]238-fleur happily , plumping up [Bill]241-bill 's pillows , ' because [ze British]634-ze british overcook [their]634-ze british meat , [I]0-i ' ave always said this . ' ' [I]0-i suppose [I]0-i 'm just going to have to accept that [he]241-bill really is going to marry [her]320-madam pomfrey , ' sighed [Ginny]236-ginny later that evening , as [she]236-ginny , [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]358-hermione sat beside the open window of [the Gryffindor common room]6993-the gryffindor common room , looking out over [the twilit grounds]4155-the twilit grounds , ' [She]320-madam pomfrey 's not that bad , ' said [Harry]136-harry . ' Ugly , though , ' [he]136-harry added hastily , as [Ginny]236-ginny raised [her]236-ginny eyebrows , and [she]236-ginny let out a reluctant giggle . ' Well , [I]0-i suppose if [Mum]235-mum can stand it , [1]0-i can . ' ' [Anyone else [we]4157-we know]4156-anyone else we know died ? ' [Ron]217-ron asked [Hermione]358-hermione , who was perusing the Evening Prophet . [Hermione]358-hermione winced at the forced toughness in [his]136-harry voice . ' No , ' [she]358-hermione said reprovingly , folding up ihe newspaper . ' [They]4158-they 're still looking for [Snape]4159-snape , but no sign ... ' ' Of course there is n't , ' said [Harry]136-harry , who became angry every lime this subject cropped up . [They]4158-they wo n't find [Snape]221-snape till [they]4158-they find [Voldemort]192-voldemort , and seeing as [they]4158-they 've never managed to do that in all this time ... ' ' [I]0-i 'm going to go to bed , ' yawned [Ginny]236-ginny . ' [I]0-i have n't been sleeping thai well since ... well ... [I]0-i could do with some sleep . ' [She]236-ginny kissed [Harry]136-harry ( [Ron]217-ron looked away pointedly ) , waved al [the other two]1385-the other two and departed for [[the girls]5510-the girls ' dormitories]3098-the girls ' dormitories . The moment the door had closed behind [her]236-ginny , [Hermione]358-hermione leaned forwards towards [Harry]136-harry with a most Hermione - ish look on [her]358-hermione face . ' [Harry]136-harry , [I]0-i found something ou ( this morning , in [the library]2354-the library .. , ' ' R.A.B. ? ' said [Harry]136-harry , silling up straight . [He]136-harry did not feel the way [he]136-harry had so often felt before , excited , curious , burning to get to the bottom of a mystery ; [he]136-harry simply knew that the task of discovering the truth about [the real Horcrux]124-the horcrux had to be completed before [he]136-harry could move a little further along the dark and winding path stretching ahead of [him]136-harry , the path that [he]136-harry and [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had set out upon together , and which [he]136-harry now knew [he]136-harry would have to journey alone . There might still be as many as four Horcruxes out there somewhere and each would need to be found and elim - inated before there was even a possibility that [Voldemort]192-voldemort could be killed . [He]136-harry kept reciting [their]4164-them names to [himself]136-harry , as though by listing [them]4164-them [he]136-harry could bring [them]4164-them within reach : ' the locket .. , the cup ... the snake ... something of [Gryffindor]597-gryffindor 's or [Ravenclaw]583-ravenclaw 's ... the locket ... the cup ... the snake ... something of [Gryffindor]597-gryffindor 's or [Ravenclaw]583-ravenclaw 's ... ' This mantra seemed to pulse through [Harry]136-harry 's mind as [he]136-harry fell asleep at night , and [his]136-harry dreams were thick with cups , lockets and mysterious objects that [he]136-harry could not quite reach , though [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore helpfully offered [Harry]136-harry a rope ladder that turned to snakes the moment [he]136-harry began to climb ... [He]136-harry had shown [Hermione]358-hermione the note inside the locket the morning after [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's death , and although [she]358-hermione had not immediately recognised the initials as belonging to [some obscure wizard about whom [she]358-hermione had been reading]4165-some obscure wizard about whom she had been reading , [she]358-hermione had since been rushing off to [the library]2354-the library a little more often than was strictly necessary for somebody who had no homework to do . ' No , ' [she]358-hermione said sadly , ' [I]0-i 've been trying , [Harry]136-harry , but [I]0-i have n't found anything ... there are [a couple of reasonably well - known wizards with those initials]4167-a couple of reasonably well - known wizards with those initials - [Rosalind Antigone Bungs]635-rosalind antigone bungs ... [Rupert " Axebanger "[576-rupert] Brookstanton]576-rupert ... but [they]4167-a couple of reasonably well - known wizards with those initials do n't seem to fit at all . Judging by that note , [the person who stole the Horcrux]4168-the person who stole the horcrux knew [Voldemort]192-voldemort , and [I]0-i ca n't find a shred of evidence that [Bungs]635-rosalind antigone bungs or [Axebanger]4169-axebanger ever had anything to do with [him]4168-the person who stole the horcrux ... no , actually , it 's about ... well , [Snape]221-snape . ' [She]358-hermione looked nervous even saying the name again . ' What about [him]221-snape ? ' asked [Harry]136-harry heavily , slumping back in [his]136-harry chair . ' Well , it 's just that [I]0-i was sort of right about the Half - Blood Prince business , ' [she]358-hermione said tentatively . ' [D'you]4170-d'you have to rub it in , [Hermione]358-hermione ? How [tTyou]358-hermione think [1]358-hermione feel about that now ? ' ' No - no - [Harry]136-harry , [I]0-i did n't mean that ! ' [she]358-hermione said hastily , look - ing around to check that [they]4171-they were not being overheard . ' It 's just that [1]358-hermione was right about [Eileen Prince]602-eileen prince once owning the book . [You]358-hermione see ... [she]602-eileen prince was [[Snape]221-snape 's mother]4172-snape 's mother ! ' T thought [she]602-eileen prince was n't much of [a looker]4173-a looker , ' said [Ron]217-ron . [Hermione]358-hermione ignored [him]217-ron . ' [1]358-hermione was going through [ihe]358-hermione rest of [the old Prophets]4174-the old prophets and there was a tiny announcement about [Eileen Prince]602-eileen prince marrying [a man called [Tobias Snape]636-tobias snape]4175-a man called tobias snape , and then later an announcement saying that [she]602-eileen prince 'd given birth to [a - ' ' - murderer]4176-a - ' ' - murderer , ' spat [Harry]136-harry . ' Well ... yes , ' said [Hermione]358-hermione . ' So ... 1 was sort of right . [Snape]221-snape must have been proud of being " half a Prince "[221-snape] , [you]136-harry see ? [Tobias Snape]636-tobias snape was [a Muggie]4177-a muggie from what [it]4178-it said in [the Prophet]5056-the prophet ' ' Yeah , that fits , ' said [Harry]136-harry . ' [He]221-snape 'd play up the pure - blood side so [he]221-snape could get in with [Lucius Malfoy]164-lucius and the rest of [them]4180-them ... [he]221-snape 's just like [Voldemort]192-voldemort . [Pure - blood mother]4181-pure - blood mother , [Muggie father]4182-muggie father ... ashamed of [his]4182-muggie father parentage , trying to make [himself]4182-muggie father feared using the Dark Arts , gave [himself]4182-muggie father an impressive new name - [Lard Voldemort]637-lard voldemort - [the Half - Blood Prince]649-the half - blood prince - how could [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore have missed - ? ' [He]136-harry broke off , looking out of the window . [He]136-harry could not stop [himself]136-harry dwelling upon [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's inexcusable trust in [Snape]221-snape ... but as [Hermione]358-hermione had just inadvertently reminded [him]136-harry , [he]136-harry , [Harry]136-harry , had been taken in just the same ... in spite of the increasing nastiness of those scribbled spells , [he]136-harry had refused to believe ill of [the boy who had been so clever , who had helped [him]136-harry so much ... Helped [him]136-harry]4184-the boy who had been so clever , who had helped him so much ... helped him ... it was an almost unendurable thought , now ... ' [I]0-i still do n't get why [he]4182-muggie father did n't turn [you]136-harry in for using that book , ' said [Ron]217-ron . ' [He]4182-muggie father must 've known where [you]136-harry were getting it ali from . ' ' [He]4182-muggie father knew , ' said [Harry]136-harry bitterly . ' [He]4182-muggie father knew when [I]0-i used Secfumsempra . [He]4182-muggie father did n't really need [Legilimency]4185-legilimency ... [he]4182-muggie father might even have known before then , with [Slughom]638-slughom talking about how brilliant [I]0-i was at Potions ... should n't have left [his]4182-muggie father old book in the bottom of that cupboard , should [he]4182-muggie father ? ' ' But why did n't [he]4182-muggie father turn [you]136-harry in ? ' ' [I]0-i do n't ihink [he]4182-muggie father wanted to associate [himself]4182-muggie father with that book , ' said [Hermione]358-hermione . ' [I]0-i do n't think [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore would have liked it very much if [he]4182-muggie father 'd known . And even if [Snape]221-snape pre - tended it had n't been [his]221-snape , [Slughom]638-slughom would have recognised [his]221-snape writing at once . Anyway , the book was left in [[Snape]221-snape 's old classroom]4186-snape 's old classroom , and [I]0-i 'll bet [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore knew [[his]146-dumbledore mother]1264-his mother was called " [Prince]5884-prince "[1264-his mother] . ' T should 've shown the book to [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , ' said [Harry]136-harry . ' All that lime [he]4182-muggie father was showing [me]0-i how [Voldemort]192-voldemort was evil even when [he]4182-muggie father was at [school]4622-school , and 1 had proof [Snape]221-snape was , too - ' ' " Evil "[4182-muggie father] is a strong word , ' said [Hermione]358-hermione quietly . ' [You]136-harry were the one who kept telling [me]0-i the book was dangerous ! ' ' [I]0-i 'm trying to say , [Harry]136-harry , that [you]136-harry 're pulling too much blame on [yourself]136-harry . 1 thought [the Prince]1725-the prince seemed to have a nasty sense of humour , but [I]0-i would never have guessed [he]1725-the prince was [a potential killer]4190-a potential killer ... ' ' [None of [us]4192-them]4876-none of us could 've guessed [Snape]221-snape would ... [you]136-harry know , ' said [Ron]217-ron . Silence fell between [them]4192-them , each of [them]4192-them lost in [their]4192-them own thoughts , but [Harry]136-harry was sure that [they]4192-them , like [him]136-harry , were think - ing about the following morning , when [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's body would be laid to rest . [Harry]136-harry had never attended a funeral before ; there had been no body to bury when [Sirius]144-sirius had died . [He]136-harry did not know what to expect and was a little worried about what [he]136-harry might see , about how [he]136-harry would feel . [He]136-harry won - dered whether [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's death would be more real to [him]136-harry once the funeral was over . Though [he]136-harry had moments when the horrible fact of it threatened to overwhelm [him]136-harry , there were blank stretches of numbness where , despite the fact that [nobody]687-nobody was talking about anything else in [the whole castle]4194-the whole castle , [he]136-harry still found it difficult 10 believe that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had really gone . Admittedly [he]136-harry had not , as [he]136-harry had with [Sirius]144-sirius , looked desperately for some kind of loophole , some way that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore would come back ... [he]136-harry felt in [his]136-harry pocket for the cold chain of the fake Horcrux , which [he]136-harry now carried with [him]136-harry everywhere , not as a talisman , but as a reminder of what it had cost and what remained still to do . [Harry]136-harry rose early to pack the next day ; the Hogwarts Express would be leaving an hour after the funeral . [Down - stairs]4195-down - stairs [he]136-harry found the mood in [the Great Hall]1520-the great hall subdued . [Every - body]5911-every - body was wearing [their]5911-every - body dress robes and [no one]4841-no one seemed very hungry . [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall had left the thronelike chair in the middle of the staff table empty . [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's chair was des - erted too : [Harry]136-harry thought thai perhaps [he]136-harry had not been able to face breakfast ; but [[Snape]221-snape 's place]4199-snape 's place had been unceremoniously filled by [Rufus Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour . [Harry]136-harry avoided [his]136-harry yellowish eyes as [they]4200-they scanned [the Hall]4616-the hall ; [Harry]136-harry had the uncomfortable feeling that [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour was looking for [him]136-harry . Among [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour 's entourage [Harry]136-harry spotted the red hair and horn - rimmed glasses of [Percy Weasley]245-percy . [Ron]217-ron gave no sign that [he]217-ron was aware of [Percy]245-percy , apart from stabbing pieces of kipper with unwonted venom . Over at [the Slytherin table]4202-the slytherin table [Crabbe]313-crabbe and [Goyle]312-goyle were mutter- ing together . [Hulking boys]4203-hulking boys though [they]4203-hulking boys were , [they]4203-hulking boys looked oddly lonely without [the tall , pale figure of [Malfoy]164-lucius between [them]4203-hulking boys]4204-the tall , pale figure of malfoy between them , bossing [them]4203-hulking boys around . [Harry]136-harry had not spared [Malfoy]164-lucius much thought . [His]136-harry animosity was all for [Snape]221-snape , but [he]136-harry had not forgotten the fear in [Malfoy]164-lucius 's voice on that Tower top , nor the fact that [he]136-harry had lowered [his]136-harry wand before [the other Death Eaters]4068-the other death eaters arrived . [Harry]136-harry did not believe that [Malfoy]164-lucius would have killed [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . [He]136-harry despised [Malfoy]164-lucius still for [his]164-lucius infatu- ation with [the Dark Arts]250-the dark arts , but now the tiniest drop of pity mingled with [his]136-harry dislike . Where , [Harry]136-harry wondered , was [Malfoy]164-lucius now , and what was [Voldemort]192-voldemort making [him]164-lucius do under threat of killing [him]164-lucius and [[his]164-lucius parents]1039-his parents ? ? ? ? ? > . [Harry]136-harry 's thoughts were interrupted by a nudge in the ribs from [Ginny]236-ginny . [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall had risen to [her]251-professor mcgonagall feet and the mournful hum in [the Hall]4616-the hall died away at once . ' It is nearly time , ' [she]251-professor mcgonagall said . ' Please follow [your]136-harry Heads of House out into [the grounds]1899-the grounds . [Gryffindors]336-gryffindors , after [me]0-i . ' [They]4209-they filed out from behind [their]4209-they benches in near silence . [Harry]136-harry glimpsed [Slughorn]216-slughorn at the head of [the Slytherin column]4210-the slytherin column , wearing magnificent long emerald - green robes embroidered with silver . [He]136-harry had never seen [Professor Sprout]344-professor sprout , Head of the Hufflepuffs , looking so clean ; there was not a single patch on [her]251-professor mcgonagall hat , and when [they]4209-they reached [the Entrance Hall]110-the entrance hall , [they]4209-they found [Madam Pince]453-madam pince standing beside [Filch]327-filch , [she]453-madam pince in a thick black veil that fell to [her]453-madam pince knees , [he]327-filch in an ancient black suit and tie reek - ing of mothbails . [They]4209-they were heading , as [Harry]136-harry saw when [he]136-harry stepped out on to the stone steps from the front doors , towards [the lake]1523-the lake . The warmth of the sun caressed [his]136-harry face as [they]4209-they followed [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall in silence to the place where hundreds of chairs had been set out in rows . An aisle ran down the centre of [them]4209-they : there was a marble table standing at the front , all chairs facing [it]4212-it . It was the most beautiful summer 's day . An extraordinary assortment of [people]681-people had already settled into half of the chairs : shabby and smart , old and young . [Most Harry]136-harry did not recognise , but there were a few that [he]136-harry did , including [members of [the Order of the Phoenix]4525-the order of the phoenix]4214-members of the order of the phoenix : [Kingsley Shacklebolt]149-kingsley shacklebolt , [Mad - Eye Moody]228-mad - eye moody , [Tonks]226-tonks , [her]453-madam pince hair miraculously returned to vividest pink , [Remus Lupin]227-lupin , with whom [she]453-madam pince seemed to be holding hands , [Mr]4216-mr and [Mrs Weasley]218-hagrid , Bill sup - ported by [Fleur]238-fleur and followed by [Fred]232-fred and [George]233-george , who were wearing jackets of black dragonskin . Then there was [Madame Maxime]639-madame maxime , who took up two - and - a - half chairs on [her]639-madame maxime own , [Tom]261-dean , [the landlord of [the Leaky Cauldron]4858-the leaky cauldron]4217-the landlord of the leaky cauldron , [Arabella Figg]640-arabella figg , [[Harry]136-harry 's Squib neighbour]4219-harry 's squib neighbour , [the hairy bass player from the wizardmg group [the Weird bisters]4221-the weird bisters , [hrnie Frang]641-hrnie frang , dnver ol [the Knight Bus]4222-the knight bus , [Madam Malkin]263-madam malkin , of [the robe shop in [Diagon Alley]34-diagon alley]4223-the robe shop in diagon alley]4220-the hairy bass player from the wizardmg group the weird bisters , hrnie frang , dnver ol the knight bus , madam malkin , of the robe shop in diagon alley , and [some people whom [Harry]136-harry]4224-some people whom harry merely knew by sight , such as [the barman of the Hog 's Head]4225-the barman of the hog 's head and [the witch who pushed the trolley on [the Hogwarts Express]4227-the hogwarts express]4226-the witch who pushed the trolley on the hogwarts express . [The castle ghosts]4228-the castle ghosts were there too , barely visible in the bright sunlight , discernible only when [they]4228-the castle ghosts moved , shimmering insubstantially in the gleaming air . [Harry]136-harry , [Ron]217-ron , [Hermione]358-hermione and [Ginny]236-ginny filed into seats at the end of a row beside [the lake]1523-the lake . [People]681-people were whispering to [each other]4377-each other ; it sounded like a breeze in the grass , but the birdsong was louder by far . [The crowd]4912-the crowd continued to swell ; with a great rush of affection for both of [them]4233-them , [Harry]136-harry saw [Neville]174-neville being helped into a seat by [Luna]288-luna . [They]4234-they alone of all [the DA]6654-the da had responded to [Hermione]358-hermione 's summons the night that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had died , and [Harry]136-harry knew why : [they]4234-they were the ones who had missed [the DA]642-the da most ... probably [the ones who had checked [their]4234-they coins regularly in the hope that there would be another meeting ... [Cornelius Fudge]139-fudge]4236-the ones who had checked their coins regularly in the hope that there would be another meeting ... cornelius fudge walked past [them]4233-them towards the front rows , [his]139-fudge expression miserable , twirling [his]139-fudge green bowler hat as usual ; [Harry]136-harry next recognised [Rita Skeeter]643-rita skeeter , who , [he]136-harry was infuri - ated to see , had a notebook clutched in [her]643-rita skeeter red - takmed hand ; and then , with a worse jolt of fury , [Dolores Umbridge]201-dolores umbridge , an unconvincing expression of grief upon [her]201-dolores umbridge toadlike face , a black velvet bow set atop [her]201-dolores umbridge iron - coloured curls . At the sight of the centaur Firenze , who was standing like [a sentinel near]4237-a sentinel near [the water 's edge]4238-the water 's edge , [she]201-dolores umbridge gave a start and scurried hastily into a seat a good distance away . [The staff]4724-the staff were seated at last . [Harry]136-harry could see [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour looking grave and dignified in the front row with [Professor McGonagall]251-professor mcgonagall . [He]136-harry wondered whether [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour or [any of [these important people]4241-these important people]4240-any of these important people were really sorry that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore wasand [he]136-harry forgot [his]136-harry dislike of [the Ministry]404-ministry time - turners in looking around for the source of it . [He]136-harry was not [the only one]5464-the only one : many heads were turning , searching , a little alarmed . ' In there , ' whispered [Ginny]236-ginny in [Harry]136-harry 's ear . And [he]136-harry saw [them]4243-them in the clear green sunlit water , inches below the surface , reminding [him]136-harry horribly of [the Inferi]196-inferi ; a chorus of [merpeople]4244-merpeople singing in a strange language [he]136-harry did not understand , [their]4243-them pallid faces rippling , [their]4243-them purplish hair flowing all around [them]4243-them . The music made the hair on [Harry]136-harry 's neck stand up and yet it was not unpleasant . It spoke very clearly of loss and of despair . As [he]136-harry looked down into the wild faces of the singers [he]136-harry had the feeling that [they]4243-them , at least , were sorry for [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's passing . Then [Ginny]236-ginny nudged [him]136-harry again and [he]136-harry looked round . [Hagrid]218-hagrid was walking slowly up the aisle between the chairs . [He]146-dumbledore was crying quite silently , [his]146-dumbledore face gleaming with tears , and in [his]146-dumbledore arms , wrapped in purple velvet spangled with golden stars , was what [Harry]136-harry knew to be [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's body . A sharp pain rose in [Harry]136-harry 's throat at this sight : for a moment , the strange music and the knowledge that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's body was so close seemed to take all warmth from the day . [Ron]217-ron looked white and shocked . Tears were falling thick and fast into both [Ginny]236-ginny and [Hermione]358-hermione 's laps . [They]4243-them could not see clearly what was happening at the front . [Hagrid]218-hagrid seemed to have placed the body carefully upon the table . Now [he]146-dumbledore retreated down [the aisle]4245-the aisle , blowing [his]146-dumbledore nose with loud trumpeting noises that drew scandalised looks from some , including , [Harry]136-harry saw , [Dolores Umbridge]201-dolores umbridge ... but [Harry]136-harry knew that [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore would not have cared . [He]136-harry tried to make a friendly gesture to [Hagrid]218-hagrid as [he]136-harry passed , but [Hagrid]218-hagrid 's eyes were so swollen it was a wonder [he]146-dumbledore could see where [he]146-dumbledore was going . [Harry]136-harry glanced at [the back row to which [Hagrid]218-hagrid was heading]4246-the back row to which hagrid was heading and realised what was guiding [him]136-harry , for there , dressed in a jacket and trousers each the size of a small mar - quee , was the giant Grawp , [his]146-dumbledore great ugly boulder - like head bowed , docile , almost human . [Hagrid]218-hagrid sat down next to [[his]146-dumbledore half - brother]4247-his half - brother and [Grawp]338-grawp palled [Hagrid]218-hagrid hard on the head , so that [his]146-dumbledore chair legs sank into the ground . [Harry]136-harry had a wonder - ful momentary urge to laugh . But then the music stopped and [he]136-harry turned to face the front again . [A little tufty - haired man in plain black robes]4248-a little tufty - haired man in plain black robes had got to [his]4248-a little tufty - haired man in plain black robes feet and stood now in front of [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's body . [Harry]136-harry could not hear what [he]4248-a little tufty - haired man in plain black robes was saying . Odd words floated back to [them]4249-them over the hundreds of beads . ' Nobility of spirit ' ... ' intel - lectual contribution ' ... ' greatness of heart ' ... it did not mean very much . It had little to do with [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore as [Harry]136-harry had known [him]146-dumbledore . [He]136-harry suddenly remembered [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's idea of a few words : ' nitwit ' , ' oddment ' , ' blubber ' and ' tweak 1 , and again , had to suppress a grin ... what was the matter with [him]136-harry ? There was a soft splashing noise to [his]136-harry left and [he]136-harry saw that [the merpeople]4250-the merpeople had broken the surface to listen , too . [He]136-harry remembered [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore crouching at [the water]3681-the water 's edge two years ago , very close to where [Harry]136-harry now sat , and conversing in [Mermish]133-mermish with [the Merchieftainess]644-the merchieftainess . [Harry]136-harry wondered where [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had learned [Mermish]133-mermish . There was so much [he]136-harry had never asked [him]146-dumbledore , so much [he]136-harry should have said ... And then , without warning , it swept over [him]136-harry , the dreadful truth , more completely and undeniably than it had until now . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was dead , gone ... [he]136-harry clutched the cold locket in [his]136-harry hand so tightly that it hurt , but [he]136-harry could not prevent hot tears spilling from [his]136-harry eyes : [he]136-harry looked away from [Ginny]236-ginny and [the others]4977-the others and stared out over [the lake]1523-the lake , towards [the Forest]4680-the forest , as [the little man in black]4255-the little man in black droned on ... there was movement among the trees . [The centaurs]4256-the centaurs had come to pay [their]4256-the centaurs respects , too . [They]4256-the centaurs did not move into the open but [Harry]136-harry saw [them]4256-the centaurs standing quite still , half - hidden in shadow , watching [the wiz - ards]4257-the wiz - ards , [their]4256-the centaurs bows hanging at [their]4256-the centaurs sides . And [Harry]136-harry remem - bered [his]136-harry first nightmarish trip into [the Forest]4680-the forest , the first time [he]136-harry had ever encountered the thing that was then [Voldemort]192-voldemort , and how [he]136-harry had faced [him]192-voldemort , and how [he]136-harry and [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had discussed fighting a losing battle not long thereafter . It was important , [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore said , to fight , and fight again , and keep fighting , for only then could evil be kept at bay , though never quite eradicated ... And [Harry]136-harry saw very clearly as be sal there under the hot sun bow [people who cared about [him]136-harry]4259-people who cared about him had stood in front of [him]136-harry one by one , [[his]136-harry mother]1264-his mother , [[his]136-harry father]904-his father , [[his]136-harry godfather]990-his godfather , and finally [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore , all determined to protect [him]136-harry ; but now that was over . [He]136-harry could not let [anybody else]1679-anybody else stand between [him]136-harry and [Voldemort]192-voldemort ; [he]136-harry must abandon for ever the illusion [he]136-harry ought to have lost at the age of one : that the shelter of [a parent]1129-a parent 's arms meant that nothing could hurt [him]136-harry . There was no waking from [his]136-harry nightmare , no comforting whisper in the dark that [he]136-harry was safe really , that it was all in [his]136-harry imagination ; [the last and greatest of [his]136-harry proteclors]4265-the last and greatest of his proteclors had died and [he]136-harry was more alone than [he]136-harry had ever been before . [The little man in black]4255-the little man in black had stopped speaking at last and resumed [his]4255-the little man in black seat . [Harry]136-harry waited for [somebody else]1515-somebody else to get to [their]1515-somebody else feet ; [he]136-harry expected speeches , probably from [the Minister]971-the minister , but [nobody]687-nobody moved . Then [several people]5208-several people screamed . Bright , white flames had erupted around [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's body and the table upon which it lay : higher and higher they rose , obscuring the body . White smoke spiralled into the air and made strange shapes : [Harry]136-harry thought , for one heart - stopping moment , that [he]136-harry saw a phoenix fly joyfully into the blue , but next second the fire had vanished . In its place was a white marble tomb , encasing [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's body and the table on which [he]146-dumbledore had rested . There were a few more cries of shock as a shower of arrows soared through the air , but [they]4271-they fell far short of [the crowd]4912-the crowd . It was , [Harry]136-harry knew , [the centaurs]4256-the centaurs ' tribute : [he]136-harry saw [them]4256-the centaurs turn tail and disappear back into [the cool trees]4274-the cool trees . Likewise [the mer - people]4275-the mer - people sank slowly back into [the green water]4276-the green water and were lost from view . [Harry]136-harry looked ai [Ginny]236-ginny , [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]358-hermione : [Ron]217-ron 's face was screwed up as though the sunlight was blinding [him]217-ron . [Hermione]358-hermione 's face was glazed with tears , but [Ginny]236-ginny was no longer crying . [She]236-ginny met [Harry]136-harry 's gaze with the same hard , blazing look that [he]136-harry had seen when [she]236-ginny had hugged [him]136-harry after winning the Quidditch Cup in [his]136-harry absence , and [he]136-harry knew that at that moment [they]4277-we understood [each other]4377-each other perfectly , and that when [he]136-harry told [her]236-ginny what [he]136-harry was going to do now , [she]236-ginny would not say ' Be careful ' , or ' Do n't do it ' , but accept [his]136-harry decision , because [she]236-ginny would not have expected anything less of [him]136-harry . And so [he]136-harry steeled [himself]136-harry to say what [he]136-harry had known [he]136-harry must say ever since [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore had died . ' [Ginny]236-ginny , listen ... ' [he]136-harry said very quietly , as the buzz of con - versation grew louder around [them]4277-we and [people]681-people began to get to [their]681-people feet . ' [I]0-i ca n't be involved with [you]136-harry any more . [We]4277-we 've got to stop seeing [each other]4377-each other . [We]4277-we ca n't be together . ' [She]236-ginny said , with an oddly twisted smile , ' It 's for some stupid , noble reason , is n't it ? ' ' It 's been like ... like something out of [someone else]4281-someone else 's life , these last few weeks with [you]236-ginny , ' said [Harry]136-harry . ' But 1 ca n't ... [we]4277-we ca n't ... [I]0-i 've got things to do alone now . ' [She]236-ginny did not cry , [she]236-ginny simply looked at [him]136-harry , ' [Voldemort]192-voldemort uses people [[his]192-voldemort enemies]4282-his enemies are close to . [He]192-voldemort 's already used [you]136-harry as bait once , and that was just because [you]136-harry 're [[my]0-i best friend 's sister]4283-my best friend 's sister . Think how much danger [you]136-harry 'll be in if [we]4277-we keep this up . [He]192-voldemort 'll know , [he]192-voldemort 'll find out . [He]192-voldemort 'll try and get to [me]0-i through [you]136-harry . ' ' What if [I]0-i do n't care ? ' said [Ginny]236-ginny fiercely . ' [I]0-i care , ' said [Harry]136-harry . ' How do [you]236-ginny think [I]0-i 'd feel if this was [your]236-ginny funeral ... and it was [my]0-i fault ... ' [She]236-ginny looked away from [him]136-harry , over [the lake]1523-the lake . T never really gave up on [you]136-harry , ' [she]236-ginny said . ' Not really . [I]0-i always hoped [... Hermione]358-hermione told [me]0-i to get on with life , maybe go out with [some other people]4285-some other people , relax a bit around [you]136-harry , because [I]0-i never used to be able to talk if [you]136-harry were in [the room]685-the room , remember ? And [she]358-hermione thought [you]136-harry might take a bit more notice if [I]0-i was a bit more - [myself]0-i . ' ' [Smart girl]4287-smart girl , that [Hermione]358-hermione , ' said [Harry]136-harry , trying to smile . ' [I]0-i just wish [I]0-i 'd asked [you]136-harry sooner . [We]4288-we coukTve had ages ... months ... years maybe ... ' ' But [you]136-harry 've been too busy saving [the wizarding world]1034-the wizarding world , ' said [Ginny]236-ginny , half - laughing . ' Well ... [I]0-i ca n't say [I]0-i 'm surprised . [I]0-i knew this would happen in the end . [I]0-i knew [you]136-harry would n't be happy unless [you]136-harry were hunting [Voldemort]192-voldemort . Maybe that 's why [I]0-i like [you]136-harry so much . ' [Harry]136-harry could not bear to hear these things , nor did [he]136-harry think [his]136-harry resolution would hold if [he]136-harry remained sitting beside [her]236-ginny . [Ron]217-ron , [he]136-harry saw , was now holding [Hermione]358-hermione and stroking [her]236-ginny hair while [she]236-ginny sobbed into [his]136-harry shoulder , tears dripping from the end of [his]136-harry own long nose . With a miserable gesture , [Harry]136-harry got up , turned [his]136-harry back on [Ginny]236-ginny and on [[Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's tomb]4290-dumbledore 's tomb and walked away around [the lake]1523-the lake . [Moving]646-moving felt much more bearable than sitting still : just as setting out as soon as possible to track down [the Horcruxes]511-horcruxes and kill [Voldemort]192-voldemort would feel better than waiting to do it ... ' [Harry]136-harry ! ' [He]136-harry turned . [Rufus Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour was limping rapidly towards [him]136-harry around [the bank]833-the bank , leaning on [his]148-scrimgeour walking stick . ' [I]0-i 've been hoping to have a word ... do [you]136-harry mind if [I]0-i walk a little way with [you]136-harry ? ' ' No , ' said [Harry]136-harry indifferently , and set off again . ' [Harry]136-harry , this was a dreadful tragedy , ' said [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour quietly , ' [I]0-i can not tell [you]136-harry how appalled [I]0-i was to hear of it . [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was [a very great wizard]4293-a very great wizard . [We]4294-we had [our]4294-we disagree - ments , as [you]136-harry know , but [no one]4841-no one knows better than 1 - ' ? What do [you]148-scrimgeour want ? ' asked [Harry]136-harry flatly . [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour looked annoyed but , as before , hastily modified [his]148-scrimgeour expression to one of sorrowful understanding . ' [You]136-harry are , of course , devastated , ' [he]148-scrimgeour said . ' [I]0-i know that [you]136-harry were very close to [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore . [I]0-i think [you]136-harry may have been [[his]146-dumbledore favourite ever pupil]4296-his favourite ever pupil . The bond between [the two of [you]136-harry]4297-the two of you - ' ' What do [you]148-scrimgeour want ? ' [Harry]136-harry repeated , coming to a halt . [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour stopped too , leaned on [his]148-scrimgeour stick and stared at [Harry]136-harry , [his]148-scrimgeour expression shrewd now . ' The word is that [you]136-harry were with [him]146-dumbledore when [he]146-dumbledore left [the school]1525-the school the night that [he]146-dumbledore died . ' ' Whose word ? ' said [Harry]136-harry . ' [[Somebody]1513-somebody Stupefied [a Death Eater]4651-a death eater on top of [the Tower]3817-the tower]4300-somebody stupefied a death eater on top of the tower after [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore died . There were also two broomsticks up there . [The Ministry]4400-the ministry can add two and two , [Harry]136-harry . ' ' Glad to hear it , ' said [Harry]136-harry . ' Well , where [I]0-i went with [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore and what [we]4304-we did is [my]0-i business . [He]146-dumbledore did n't want [people]681-people to know . ' ' Such loyalty is admirable , of course , ' said [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour , who seemed to be restraining [his]148-scrimgeour irritation with difficulty , ' bul [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore is gone , [Harry]136-harry . [He]146-dumbledore 's gone . ' ' [He]146-dumbledore will only be gone from [the school]1525-the school when [none here]4307-none here are loyal to [him]146-dumbledore , ' said [Harry]136-harry , smiling in spite of [himself]136-harry . ' [[My]0-i dear boy]5222-my dear boy ... even [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore can not return from the- ' ' [I]0-i am not saying [he]146-dumbledore can . [You]136-harry would n't understand . But [I]0-i 've got nothing to tell [you]136-harry . ' [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour hesitated , then said , in what was evidently supposed to be a tone of delicacy , [The Ministry]4400-the ministry can offer [you]136-harry all sorts of protection , [you]136-harry know , [Harry]136-harry . [I]0-i would be delighted to place [a couple of [[my]0-i Aurors]4311-my aurors]4310-a couple of my aurors at [your]136-harry service - ' [Harry]136-harry laughed . ' [Voldemort]192-voldemort wants to kill [me]0-i [himself]192-voldemort and [Aurors]647-aurors wo n't stop [him]192-voldemort . So thanks for the offer , but no thanks . ' ' So , ' said [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour , [his]148-scrimgeour voice cold now , ' the request 1 made of [you]136-harry at Christmas - ' ' What request ? Oh yeah ... the one where [I]0-i tell [the world]714-the world what a great job [you]136-harry 're doing in exchange for — ' ' - for raising [everyone]4750-everyone 's morale ! ' snapped [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour . [Harry]136-harry considered [him]148-scrimgeour for a moment . ' [Released Stan Shunpike]385-stan shunpike yet ? ' [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour turned a nasty purple colour highly remin - iscent of [Uncle Vernon]179-uncle vernon . ' 1 see [you]136-harry are - ' ' [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's man through and through , ' said [Harry]136-harry . ' That 's right . ' [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour glared at [him]136-harry for another moment , then turned and limped away without another word . [Harry]136-harry could see [Percy]245-percy and the rest of [the Ministry]4400-the ministry delegation waiting for [him]136-harry , casting nervous glances at the sobbing [Hagrid]218-hagrid and [Grawp]338-grawp , who were still in [their]4315-their seats . [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]358-hermione were hurry - ing towards [Harry]136-harry , passing [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour going in the opposite direction ; [Harry]136-harry turned and walked slowly on , waiting for [them]4316-they to catch up , which [they]4316-they finally did in the shade of a beech tree under which [they]4316-they had sat in happier times . " What did [Scrimgeour]148-scrimgeour want ? ' [Hermione]358-hermione whispered . ' Same as [he]148-scrimgeour wanted at Christmas , ' shrugged [Harry]136-harry . ' Wanted [me]0-i to give [him]148-scrimgeour inside information on [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore and be [[the Ministry]4400-the ministry 's new poster boy]4318-the ministry 's new poster boy . ' [Ron]217-ron seemed to struggle with [himself]217-ron for a moment , then [he]217-ron said loudly to [Hermione]358-hermione , ' Look , let [me]0-i go back and hit [Percy]245-percy ! ' ' No , ' [she]358-hermione said firmly , grabbing [his]217-ron arm . ' It 'll make [me]0-i feel better ! ' [Harry]136-harry laughed . Even [Hermione]358-hermione grinned a little , though [her]358-hermione smile faded as [she]358-hermione looked up at [the castle]4540-the castle . ' [I]0-i ca n't bear the idea that [we]4320-we might never come back . ' [she]358-hermione said softly . ' How can [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts close ? ' ' Maybe it wo n't , ' said [Ron]217-ron . ' [We]4320-we 're not in any more danger here than [we]4320-we are at [home]1044-home , are [we]4320-we ? Everywhere 's the same now . [I]0-i 'd even say [Hogwarts]14-hogwarts is safer , there are [more wizards inside to defend [the place]4424-the place]4322-more wizards inside to defend the place . What d'you reckon , [Harry]136-harry ? ' ' [I]0-i 'm not coming back even if it does reopen , ' said [Harry]136-harry . [Ron]217-ron gaped at [him]0-i , but [Hermione]358-hermione said sadly , ' [I]0-i knew [you]0-i were going to say that . But then what will [you]0-i do ? 1 ' [I]0-i 'm going back to [the Dursleys]177-the dursleys ' once more , because [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore wanted [me]0-i to , ' said [Harry]136-harry . ' But it 'll be a short visit , and then [I]0-i 'll be gone for good . ' ' But where will [you]0-i go if [you]0-i do n't come back to [school]4622-school ? ' ' [I]0-i thought [I]0-i might go back to [[Godric]648-godric 's [Hollow]135-hollow]134-godric 's hollow , ' [Harry mut - tered]136-harry . [He]136-harry had had the idea in [his]136-harry head ever since the night of [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's death . ' For [me]0-i , it started there , all of it . [I]0-i 've just got a feeling [I]0-i need to go [there]4506-there . And [I]0-i can visit [[my]0-i parents]6597-my parents ' graves , [I]0-i 'd like that . ' ' And then what ? ' said [Ron]217-ron . Then [I]0-i 've got to track down [the rest of [the Horcruxes]4328-the horcruxes]4327-the rest of the horcruxes , have n't [I]0-i ? ' said [Harry]136-harry , [his]136-harry eyes upon [[Dumbledore]146-dumbledore 's white tomb]4329-dumbledore 's white tomb , reflected in [the water on the other side of [the lake]1523-the lake]4330-the water on the other side of the lake . That 's what [he]146-dumbledore wanted [me]0-i to do , that 's why [he]146-dumbledore told [me]0-i all about [them]4328-the horcruxes . If [Dumbledore]146-dumbledore was right - and [I]0-i 'm sure [he]146-dumbledore was -there are still four of them out there . [I]0-i 've got to find [them]4328-the horcruxes and destroy [them]4328-the horcruxes and then [I]0-i 've got to go after the seventh bit of [Voldemort]192-voldemort 's soul , the bit that 's still in [his]192-voldemort body , and [I]0-i 'm [the one who 's going to kill [him]192-voldemort]4332-the one who 's going to kill him . And if [I]0-i meet [Severus Snape]156-snape along the way , ' [he]0-i added , ' so much trie better tor [me]0-i , so mucn the worse for [him]192-voldemort . ' There was a long silence . [The crowd]4912-the crowd had almost dispersed now , the stragglers giving the monumental figure of [Grawp]338-grawp a wide berth as [he]338-grawp cuddled [Hagrid]218-hagrid , whose howls of grief were still echoing across [the water]3681-the water . ' [We]4335-we 'll be there , [Harry]136-harry , ' said [Ron]217-ron . ' What ? ' At [[your]136-harry aunt]986-your aunt and [[uncle]987-uncle 's house]4338-uncle 's house , ' said [Ron]217-ron . ' And then [we]4335-we 'll go with [you]136-harry , wherever [you]136-harry 're going . ' ' No - ' said [Harry]136-harry quickly ; [he]136-harry had not counted on this , [he]136-harry had meant [them]4335-we to understand that [he]136-harry was undertaking this most dangerous journey alone . ' [You]4339-you said to [us]4335-we once before , ' said [Hermione]358-hermione quietly , ' that there was time to turn back if [we]4335-we wanted to . [We]4335-we 've had time , have n't [we]4335-we ? ' ' [We]4335-we 're with [you]136-harry whatever happens , ' said [Ron]217-ron . ' But , [mate]6461-mate , [you]136-harry 're going to have to come round [[my]0-i mum]3269-my mum and [[dad]4813-dad 's house]4343-dad 's house before [we]4335-we do anything else , even [Godric]648-godric 's Hollow . ' ' Why ? ' ' [Bill]241-bill and [Fleur]238-fleur 's wedding , remember ? ' [Harry]136-harry looked at [him]136-harry , startled ; the idea that anything as normal as a wedding could still exist seemed incredible and yet wonderful . ' Yeah , [we]4335-we should n't miss that , ' [he]136-harry said finally . [His]136-harry hand closed automatically around the fake Horcrux , but in spite of everything , in spite of the dark and twisting path [he]136-harry saw stretching ahead for [himself]136-harry , in spite of the final meet - ing with [Voldemort]192-voldemort [he]136-harry knew must come , whether in a month , in a year , or in ten , [he]136-harry felt [his]136-harry heart lift at the thought that there was still one last golden day of peace left to enjoy with [Ron]217-ron and [Hermione]358-hermione .